March 22, 2025World Water Day
The Mysterious Water Pollution
A playful mission presented by the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs
The game has ended.
The Mysterious Water Pollution
Pharmaceutical residues have been found in a major city's drinking water. The residents are concerned, and the local authorities are at a loss. They do not know the source of the contamination, and the issue requires an urgent solution.You are an expert member of an environmental research team with the mission to: • Identify the contamination• Trace its source• Develop possible solutions
Continue
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
Waterworks Laboratory
Task: Drinking Water Analysis You have arrived at the city’s waterworks laboratory, where tests have detected pharmaceutical residues. But what exactly are these substances? The first step in your investigation is precise identification!
Continue
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography system
Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer
Waterworks Laboratory
If a pharmaceutical residue is not detected in a water sample, it does not necessarily mean it is not present. Due to their low concentrations (ng/L in drinking and bottled water), large variety, and structural diversity, current analytical techniques are not yet sensitive enough to detect and quantify every possible compound.
UV-vis Spectrophotometer
Gas Chromatography system
Various modern analytical methods are used to detect pharmaceutical residues in water samples from different sources, such as drinking water, wells, and rivers.
Continue
Waterworks Laboratory
Task: You will analyze three water samples using different analytical methods. Your goal is to identify the pharmaceutical residues present in the samples.
Let the investigation begin!
After each challenge, you will receive a digit for a four-digit code. Remember the numbers well! Once you have all four digits, you can proceed to the next location.
Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography system
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Gas Chromatography system
Waterworks Laboratory
If a pharmaceutical residue is not detected in a water sample, it does not necessarily mean it is not present. Due to their low concentrations (ng/L in drinking and bottled water), large variety, and structural diversity, current analytical techniques are not yet sensitive enough to detect and quantify every possible compound.
Various modern analytical methods are used to detect pharmaceutical residues in water samples from different sources, such as drinking water, wells, and rivers.
Continue
First Challenge: Identifying Analytical Instruments
Select the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer.
How to play?
First Challenge: Identifying Analytical Instruments
Select the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system.
How to play?
First Challenge: Identifying Analytical Instruments
Select the Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS).
How to play?
You have successfully identified the instruments!
Remember, the first digit of the code is:
Time to Analyze the Water Samples!
Continue
Did you know?
In 2017, pharmaceutical residues were detectedin bottled water in Europe, including metformin, ketoprofen, diclofenac, salicylic acid, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and caffeine.
Continue
You are now looking at the results of the first water sample's UV-Vis spectrophotometry and GC-MS mass spectrometry tests. Based on the absorption and mass spectra provided, identify which compound is present in the sample!
metforminC4H11N5
ketoprofenC16H14O3
caffeineC8H10N4O2
ibuprofen C13H18O2
paracetamolC8H9NO2
salicylic acid C7H6O3
diclofenac C14H11Cl2NO2
How to play?
You are now looking at the results of the first water sample's UV-Vis spectrophotometry and GC-MS mass spectrometry tests. Based on the absorption and mass spectra provided, identify which compound is present in the sample!
salicylic acid
ibuprofen
metformin
paracetamol
diclofenac
caffeine
ketoprofen
How to play?
You have identified paracetamol in the first water sample!
Remember, the second digit of the code is:
Paracetamol is a widely used pain and fever reliever that effectively treats headaches, muscle pain, and mild to moderate pain. However, proper dosage is crucial, as an overdose can cause severe liver damage.
Continue
Find the contaminant in the second water sample before time runs out!
01:00
CAFFEINE: stimulant, lifestyle compound
DICLOFENAC: pain reliever
1. The most commonly detected pharmaceutical residue in the world's rivers.
TRAMADOL: opioid analgesic
SULFAMETHOXAZOLE: antibiotic
2. Highly resistant to microbial degradation in both the environment and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Decomposes under sunlight, but this process is slow, especially in freshwater environments.
CARBAMAZEPINE: anti- epileptic
AMOXICILLIN: antibiotic
4. Weakly binds to sediments, increasing its mobility in aquatic ecosystems.
5. When ingested, up to 9% is excreted unchanged through urine, entering wastewater.
EE2 HORMONE: contra-ceptive
METFORMIN: blood sugar regulator
6. Used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
How to play?
Wrong answer!
Try again
You have identified carbamazepine in the second water sample!
Remember, the third digit of the code is:
Carbamazepine is primarily used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain by stabilizing nerve cell membranes. However, it is also the most frequently detected pharmaceutical residue in the world's rivers, raising environmental concerns.
Carbamazepine
Continue
Did you know?
We already know that paracetamol and carbamazepine have been detected in drinking water. Research shows that paracetamol has even been found in Antarctica, along with other lifestyle compounds. Although lifestyle compounds are not pharmaceuticals, they behave similarly to pharmaceutical residues in the environment, making their presence in surface and drinking water sources a concern.
Continue
Click on the lifestyle compounds that were detected not only in Antarctica but also in the analyzed 3rd water sample!
vitamin C
CAffeinE
ibuprofEn
Cobalt
CoCainE
niCotinE
How to play?
Incorrect answer!
Although lifestyle compounds are not pharmaceuticals, they behave similarly to pharmaceutical residues in the environment, making their presence in surface and drinking water sources a concern.
Try again
Caffeine is a common lifestyle compound, but not the only one.
vitamin c
CAffeine
ibuprofen
Cobalt
cocaine
nicotine
How to play?
Nicotine is a common lifestyle compound, but not the only one.
vitamin C
caffeine
ibuprofen
Cobalt
cocaine
nicotine
How to play?
Correct! Caffeine and nicotine are lifestyle compounds and were also detected in the drinking water source.
Remember, the fourth digit of the code is:
Continue
Congratulations!
You have successfully identified the pharmaceutical residues present in the city’s drinking water source. Enter the code to proceed!
2835
Enter the code and continue!
code
Identifying Pollution Sources
Welcome to the mapping challenge! Your task is to identify the potential sources of pharmaceutical contamination based on the information cards. Goal: By the end of the game, you will understand how pharmaceutical residues enter the environment.
Let the investigation continue
How to play?
In livestock farming and aquaculture, veterinary medicines such as antibiotics, hormones, and other drugs are widely used to prevent and treat diseases. These compounds enter the environment through animal urine and feces and can reach nearby lakes, rivers, and groundwater via rainwater and surface runoff. This type of pollution is especially common near intensive livestock farms and fish farms.
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities release significant amounts of pharmaceutical residues into wastewater, including antibiotics, painkillers, chemotherapy drugs, and other medications. These substances enter the wastewater system through patient excretion. Traditional wastewater treatment plants cannot fully remove them, allowing pharmaceutical residues to reach surface waters, endangering aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.
Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites do not fully break down in the human body. Some of these compounds are excreted through urine and feces. These substances enter the wastewater system and reach wastewater treatment plants. Traditional treatment methods do not always remove pharmaceutical residues completely, allowing them to enter surface waters, impacting ecosystems and drinking water sources.
Pharmaceutical Residues from Livestock Farming
The Journey of Pharmaceuticals to Wastewater
Healthcare Wastewater
Flip
Flip
Flip
Continue
Improper disposal of expired or unused medications poses a significant environmental risk. Flushing them down the toilet: Wastewater treatment plants cannot always remove them completely, allowing them to enter surface waters. Throwing them in household trash: Active ingredients may slowly leach out, contaminating soil and groundwater. Proper disposal: Medications should be returned to pharmacies, designated collection points, or hazardous waste disposal sites.
The primary function of wastewater treatment plants is to remove organic pollutants, nutrients, and microorganisms. However, pharmaceutical residues are not always effectively filtered out. Treated wastewater is often discharged into natural water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, or used for agricultural irrigation. Sewage sludge, used as fertilizer, may still contain pharmaceutical residues, which can slowly seep into soil and water reserves over time.
The growth of tourism brings economic benefits but also environmental challenges. Lakes are particularly at risk from pollutants introduced by tourists, including pharmaceutical residues. During peak tourist seasons, higher concentrations of these substances appear in the water. Shallow lakes are especially at risk, as they have lower natural self-purification capacity. Pharmaceutical residues affect not only water quality but also aquatic life, accumulating in organisms and causing long-term ecological consequences.
Improper Disposal of Medications
Pharmaceutical Residues in Treated Wastewater
Tourism and Its Impact
Flip
Flip
Flip
Continue
Identifying Pollution Sources
How to play?
Where is pharmaceutical-contaminated treated wastewater most likely discharged?
Szennyezési források felderítése
How to play?
Where do pharmaceutical residues enter wastewater in the highest concentrations?
Identifying Pollution Sources
How to play?
Where is veterinary drug contamination most likely to enter surface waters?
Identifying Pollution Sources
How to play?
Where is seasonal (e.g., summer months) pharmaceutical contamination most significant?
You have successfully identified potential sources of contamination!
Remember, the first digit of the code is:
Where Did the Contamination Enter the City's Drinking Water?
Continue
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Now you have a special challenge! The exact source of the drinking water contamination is hidden in the picture, but to reveal it, you have to go through true and false questions. Your goal: By the end of the game, you will accurately identify the source responsible for the drinking water contamination in the game!
Can you uncover the full picture?
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Try again!
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Pharmaceutical residues originate only from industrial discharges.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Household wastewater plays a significant role in the release of pharmaceutical residues into the environment.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Wastewater treatment plants remove all pharmaceutical residues completely.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Hospitals and healthcare facilities contribute to pharmaceutical contamination in water sources.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Pharmaceutical residues can enter the environment through waste fluids from landfills, as people irresponsibly dispose of expired or unused medications in household trash.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Antibiotics used in agriculture and livestock farming pose no risk to water sources.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Pharmaceutical residues are found only in surface waters; groundwater is entirely free of them.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Paracetamol has been detected in water across many regions, even in Antarctica.
True
False
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Caffeine and nicotine are lifestyle compounds that can enter drinking water sources via wastewater.
True
False
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Household and hospital wastewater does not contain pharmaceutical residues, as all contaminants are removed during wastewater treatment.
True
False
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
The pharmaceutical residues in the investigated drinking water sample entered naturally, without human influence.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
The pharmaceutical residues in the investigated drinking water sample originate from human consumption and were likely introduced through wastewater treatment plant discharge.
true
false
How to play?
Congratulations! You have uncovered the full picture!
Remember, the second digit of the code is:
How Did the Contamination Travel from the Wastewater Plant to the Drinking Water?
Continue the investigation!
Drinking Water Sources Challenge
Welcome to the challenge! Your task is to explore different types of drinking water sources and their potential contamination risks.
How to play?
Have you reviewed all 10 slides? It's time for a quiz!
Drinking Water Sources
1/6. Which water sources are more protected from surface contamination?
A) Karst and groundwater
B) Rivers and lakes
C) Artificial reservoirs
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
1/6. Which water sources are more protected from surface contamination?
A) Karst and groundwater
2/6. How can contaminants enter karst and groundwater sources?
A) Direct infiltration from surface waters
B) Slow infiltration through the soil
C) Direct absorption of precipitation
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
1/6. Which water sources are more protected from surface contamination?
A) Karst and groundwater
2/6. How can contaminants enter karst and groundwater sources?
B) Slow infiltration through the soil
A) They have direct contact with environmental pollutants
B) Water moves more slowly in them
C) They have a higher natural filtration capacity
3/6. Why are surface waters more sensitive than groundwater sources?
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
Your task is to explore different types of drinking water sources and their potential contamination risks.
How to play?
Have you reviewed all 10 slides? It's time for a quiz!
Drinking Water Sources
4/6. What does riverbank filtration mean in drinking water production?
A) Water flows through natural filter layers before reaching wells
B) Chemical filtration methods are applied
C) River water is directly purified using filtration equipment
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
4/6. What does riverbank filtration mean in drinking water production?
A) Water flows through natural filter layers before reaching wells
5/6. How effective is riverbank filtration in removing pharmaceutical residues?
A) Completely removes all pharmaceutical residues
B) Significantly reduces them but cannot eliminate them completely
C) Does not reduce them at all
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
4/6. What does riverbank filtration mean in drinking water production?
A) Water flows through natural filter layers before reaching wells
5/6. How effective is riverbank filtration in removing pharmaceutical residues?
B) Significantly reduces them but cannot eliminate them completely
A)Some active substances resist chlorination
B) All compounds instantly degrade when exposed to chlorine
C) Chlorination itself can create harmful byproducts
6/6. Why is chlorination not sufficient for removing pharmaceutical residues?
How to play?
Congratulations! You now have a deep understanding of drinking water sources!
Remember, the third digit of the code is:
Continue
Water Cycle Puzzle
How did pharmaceutical residues end up in drinking water?
A crucial challenge awaits you! Your goal is to understand how pharmaceutical residues travel from wastewater to drinking water. To solve this, you need to arrange the steps of the water cycle in the correct order.
Tip: Recall what you have learned at previous locations – laboratory analyses and the identification of pollution sources!
Are you ready for the challenge?
Let's begin!
How to play?
Water Cycle Puzzle
How did pharmaceutical residues end up in drinking water?
Drinking Water Source: Drinking water is extracted from rivers, lakes, or underground water sources, which may contain pharmaceutical residues.
Wastewater Treatment Plant: AThe treatment process removes many pollutants, but some pharmaceutical residues pass through the system.
Drinking Water Network: Water treatment facilities cannot always eliminate these compounds, so small amounts may enter drinking water.
Pharmaceutical Use (households or hospitals): People take medications, and part of these substances is excreted and enters the wastewater system.
River/Lake: Treated wastewater is discharged into natural water bodies, where remaining pharmaceutical residues continue to spread.
Wastewater System: Used water (containing pharmaceutical residues) flows through the sewer system to the wastewater treatment plant.
Stay Alert! You only have 10 seconds to find the next step!
How to play?
Let's start!
Time is up!
Try again
Find step 1 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
Pharmaceutical Use
River/lake
Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 2 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
River/Lake
Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 3 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 4 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 5 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
4. River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 6 in 10 seconds
5. Drinking Water Source
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
4. River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Congratulations! You now understand how pharmaceutical residues travel through the environment!
Remember, the fourth digit of the final code is:
Continue
Congratulations!
You have discovered that household pharmaceutical use and hospital wastewater together contribute to contamination. Current wastewater treatment technology is insufficient, allowing pharmaceutical residues to enter rivers and eventually drinking water. Enter the code and proceed to the final challenge!
3741
Enter the code and continue!
code
Find the Solution to the Problem!
- Wastewater treatment plants cannot remove all pharmaceutical residues.
- Some people flush unused medications down the toilet.
- Antibiotics used in livestock farming enter water sources.
- Not all pharmaceutical residues can be detected with current analytical methods.
- Undetectable pharmaceutical residues may still be present in water.
Welcome to the Problems and Solutions Challenge! Your task is to find the appropriate solution for each listed problem. Goal: By identifying the correct solutions, you will learn what factors help reduce pharmaceutical contamination in drinking water.
Find the solution!
How to play?
Wrong solution!
Try again
Problem: wastewater treatment plants cannot remove all pharmaceutical residues
How to play?
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
How to play?
Problem: some people flush unused medications down the toilet
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
How to play?
Problem: antibiotics used in livestock farming enter water sources
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
Problem: undetectable pharmaceutical residues may still be present in water
How to play?
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
Problem: not all pharmaceutical residues can be detected with current analytical methods
How to play?
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
Congratulations! You now understand what factors can help reduce pharmaceutical residues in drinking water!
Remember, the first character of the final solution code is:
GY
Let's play a memory game!
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
1. At the start, you will see all the cards for 10 seconds – the top row contains "problems", and the bottom row contains their corresponding solutions.
2. The cards will then flip over, leaving only one visible problem at a time.
3. Choose the correct matching solution from the flipped cards in the bottom row.
4. Correct answer: The next problem appears.
5. Wrong answer: The game restarts.
Ready to play the memory game?
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
00:10
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
Congratulations!
Remember, the second character of the final solution code is:
Ready for the final challange
Create an Educational Campaign
Growing Knowledge: Stop Flushing Medications!
Now it's your turn to create an effective educational campaign to grow knowledge about the dangers of flushing medications down the drain or toilet! To do this, you must arrange the key steps of the campaign in the correct order. If you successfully organize the campaign, you will be one step closer to the final solution!
Pay attention! You only have 10 seconds to find each step!
Are you ready for the challenge?
How to play?
Let's start!
Icorrect!
Try again
Találd meg az1. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg a2. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
Plan the campaign elementsPosters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg a3. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
2. Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg a4. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
3. Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
2. Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg az5. lépést!
00:10
4. Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
3. Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
2. Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Congratulations!
You have successfully developed a campaign to grow knowledge and help protect our water sources!
Remember, the third character of the final solution code is:
The final solution
Enter the code for the final solution!
CODE
To access the prize challenge, answer these three familiar questions again!Has your opinion changed?
To access the prize challenge, answer these three familiar questions again!Has your opinion changed?
To access the prize challenge, answer these three familiar questions again!Has your opinion changed?
To enter the prize challenge, click here:
Continue
Gratulálunk!
Sikeresen feltártad a problémát, azonosítottad a szennyező forrásokat, és kidolgoztad a megoldásokat! Köszönjük, hogy részt vettél a küldetésben – most már tudod, milyen fontos a tudatos gyógyszerhasználat és a vízvédelem.
Oszd meg a sikeredet!Posztold az eredményedet Facebook-oldaladon, és inspirálj másokat is, hogy csatlakozzanak a környezettudatos szemlélethez! Írd meg nekünk: mi volt számodra a legérdekesebb felismerés a játék során?Kommentben várjuk a véleményed!
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
The Mysterious Water Pollution
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Transcript
March 22, 2025World Water Day
The Mysterious Water Pollution
A playful mission presented by the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Pécs
The game has ended.
The Mysterious Water Pollution
Pharmaceutical residues have been found in a major city's drinking water. The residents are concerned, and the local authorities are at a loss. They do not know the source of the contamination, and the issue requires an urgent solution.You are an expert member of an environmental research team with the mission to: • Identify the contamination• Trace its source• Develop possible solutions
Continue
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions:
Waterworks Laboratory
Task: Drinking Water Analysis You have arrived at the city’s waterworks laboratory, where tests have detected pharmaceutical residues. But what exactly are these substances? The first step in your investigation is precise identification!
Continue
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography system
Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer
Waterworks Laboratory
If a pharmaceutical residue is not detected in a water sample, it does not necessarily mean it is not present. Due to their low concentrations (ng/L in drinking and bottled water), large variety, and structural diversity, current analytical techniques are not yet sensitive enough to detect and quantify every possible compound.
UV-vis Spectrophotometer
Gas Chromatography system
Various modern analytical methods are used to detect pharmaceutical residues in water samples from different sources, such as drinking water, wells, and rivers.
Continue
Waterworks Laboratory
Task: You will analyze three water samples using different analytical methods. Your goal is to identify the pharmaceutical residues present in the samples.
Let the investigation begin!
After each challenge, you will receive a digit for a four-digit code. Remember the numbers well! Once you have all four digits, you can proceed to the next location.
Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography system
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Gas Chromatography system
Waterworks Laboratory
If a pharmaceutical residue is not detected in a water sample, it does not necessarily mean it is not present. Due to their low concentrations (ng/L in drinking and bottled water), large variety, and structural diversity, current analytical techniques are not yet sensitive enough to detect and quantify every possible compound.
Various modern analytical methods are used to detect pharmaceutical residues in water samples from different sources, such as drinking water, wells, and rivers.
Continue
First Challenge: Identifying Analytical Instruments
Select the UV-Vis Spectrophotometer.
How to play?
First Challenge: Identifying Analytical Instruments
Select the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system.
How to play?
First Challenge: Identifying Analytical Instruments
Select the Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS).
How to play?
You have successfully identified the instruments!
Remember, the first digit of the code is:
Time to Analyze the Water Samples!
Continue
Did you know?
In 2017, pharmaceutical residues were detectedin bottled water in Europe, including metformin, ketoprofen, diclofenac, salicylic acid, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and caffeine.
Continue
You are now looking at the results of the first water sample's UV-Vis spectrophotometry and GC-MS mass spectrometry tests. Based on the absorption and mass spectra provided, identify which compound is present in the sample!
metforminC4H11N5
ketoprofenC16H14O3
caffeineC8H10N4O2
ibuprofen C13H18O2
paracetamolC8H9NO2
salicylic acid C7H6O3
diclofenac C14H11Cl2NO2
How to play?
You are now looking at the results of the first water sample's UV-Vis spectrophotometry and GC-MS mass spectrometry tests. Based on the absorption and mass spectra provided, identify which compound is present in the sample!
salicylic acid
ibuprofen
metformin
paracetamol
diclofenac
caffeine
ketoprofen
How to play?
You have identified paracetamol in the first water sample!
Remember, the second digit of the code is:
Paracetamol is a widely used pain and fever reliever that effectively treats headaches, muscle pain, and mild to moderate pain. However, proper dosage is crucial, as an overdose can cause severe liver damage.
Continue
Find the contaminant in the second water sample before time runs out!
01:00
CAFFEINE: stimulant, lifestyle compound
DICLOFENAC: pain reliever
1. The most commonly detected pharmaceutical residue in the world's rivers.
TRAMADOL: opioid analgesic
SULFAMETHOXAZOLE: antibiotic
2. Highly resistant to microbial degradation in both the environment and wastewater treatment plants.
3. Decomposes under sunlight, but this process is slow, especially in freshwater environments.
CARBAMAZEPINE: anti- epileptic
AMOXICILLIN: antibiotic
4. Weakly binds to sediments, increasing its mobility in aquatic ecosystems.
5. When ingested, up to 9% is excreted unchanged through urine, entering wastewater.
EE2 HORMONE: contra-ceptive
METFORMIN: blood sugar regulator
6. Used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
How to play?
Wrong answer!
Try again
You have identified carbamazepine in the second water sample!
Remember, the third digit of the code is:
Carbamazepine is primarily used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain by stabilizing nerve cell membranes. However, it is also the most frequently detected pharmaceutical residue in the world's rivers, raising environmental concerns.
Carbamazepine
Continue
Did you know?
We already know that paracetamol and carbamazepine have been detected in drinking water. Research shows that paracetamol has even been found in Antarctica, along with other lifestyle compounds. Although lifestyle compounds are not pharmaceuticals, they behave similarly to pharmaceutical residues in the environment, making their presence in surface and drinking water sources a concern.
Continue
Click on the lifestyle compounds that were detected not only in Antarctica but also in the analyzed 3rd water sample!
vitamin C
CAffeinE
ibuprofEn
Cobalt
CoCainE
niCotinE
How to play?
Incorrect answer!
Although lifestyle compounds are not pharmaceuticals, they behave similarly to pharmaceutical residues in the environment, making their presence in surface and drinking water sources a concern.
Try again
Caffeine is a common lifestyle compound, but not the only one.
vitamin c
CAffeine
ibuprofen
Cobalt
cocaine
nicotine
How to play?
Nicotine is a common lifestyle compound, but not the only one.
vitamin C
caffeine
ibuprofen
Cobalt
cocaine
nicotine
How to play?
Correct! Caffeine and nicotine are lifestyle compounds and were also detected in the drinking water source.
Remember, the fourth digit of the code is:
Continue
Congratulations!
You have successfully identified the pharmaceutical residues present in the city’s drinking water source. Enter the code to proceed!
2835
Enter the code and continue!
code
Identifying Pollution Sources
Welcome to the mapping challenge! Your task is to identify the potential sources of pharmaceutical contamination based on the information cards. Goal: By the end of the game, you will understand how pharmaceutical residues enter the environment.
Let the investigation continue
How to play?
In livestock farming and aquaculture, veterinary medicines such as antibiotics, hormones, and other drugs are widely used to prevent and treat diseases. These compounds enter the environment through animal urine and feces and can reach nearby lakes, rivers, and groundwater via rainwater and surface runoff. This type of pollution is especially common near intensive livestock farms and fish farms.
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities release significant amounts of pharmaceutical residues into wastewater, including antibiotics, painkillers, chemotherapy drugs, and other medications. These substances enter the wastewater system through patient excretion. Traditional wastewater treatment plants cannot fully remove them, allowing pharmaceutical residues to reach surface waters, endangering aquatic ecosystems and drinking water sources.
Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites do not fully break down in the human body. Some of these compounds are excreted through urine and feces. These substances enter the wastewater system and reach wastewater treatment plants. Traditional treatment methods do not always remove pharmaceutical residues completely, allowing them to enter surface waters, impacting ecosystems and drinking water sources.
Pharmaceutical Residues from Livestock Farming
The Journey of Pharmaceuticals to Wastewater
Healthcare Wastewater
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Flip
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Improper disposal of expired or unused medications poses a significant environmental risk. Flushing them down the toilet: Wastewater treatment plants cannot always remove them completely, allowing them to enter surface waters. Throwing them in household trash: Active ingredients may slowly leach out, contaminating soil and groundwater. Proper disposal: Medications should be returned to pharmacies, designated collection points, or hazardous waste disposal sites.
The primary function of wastewater treatment plants is to remove organic pollutants, nutrients, and microorganisms. However, pharmaceutical residues are not always effectively filtered out. Treated wastewater is often discharged into natural water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, or used for agricultural irrigation. Sewage sludge, used as fertilizer, may still contain pharmaceutical residues, which can slowly seep into soil and water reserves over time.
The growth of tourism brings economic benefits but also environmental challenges. Lakes are particularly at risk from pollutants introduced by tourists, including pharmaceutical residues. During peak tourist seasons, higher concentrations of these substances appear in the water. Shallow lakes are especially at risk, as they have lower natural self-purification capacity. Pharmaceutical residues affect not only water quality but also aquatic life, accumulating in organisms and causing long-term ecological consequences.
Improper Disposal of Medications
Pharmaceutical Residues in Treated Wastewater
Tourism and Its Impact
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Flip
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Identifying Pollution Sources
How to play?
Where is pharmaceutical-contaminated treated wastewater most likely discharged?
Szennyezési források felderítése
How to play?
Where do pharmaceutical residues enter wastewater in the highest concentrations?
Identifying Pollution Sources
How to play?
Where is veterinary drug contamination most likely to enter surface waters?
Identifying Pollution Sources
How to play?
Where is seasonal (e.g., summer months) pharmaceutical contamination most significant?
You have successfully identified potential sources of contamination!
Remember, the first digit of the code is:
Where Did the Contamination Enter the City's Drinking Water?
Continue
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Now you have a special challenge! The exact source of the drinking water contamination is hidden in the picture, but to reveal it, you have to go through true and false questions. Your goal: By the end of the game, you will accurately identify the source responsible for the drinking water contamination in the game!
Can you uncover the full picture?
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Try again!
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Pharmaceutical residues originate only from industrial discharges.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Household wastewater plays a significant role in the release of pharmaceutical residues into the environment.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Wastewater treatment plants remove all pharmaceutical residues completely.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Hospitals and healthcare facilities contribute to pharmaceutical contamination in water sources.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Pharmaceutical residues can enter the environment through waste fluids from landfills, as people irresponsibly dispose of expired or unused medications in household trash.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Antibiotics used in agriculture and livestock farming pose no risk to water sources.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Pharmaceutical residues are found only in surface waters; groundwater is entirely free of them.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Paracetamol has been detected in water across many regions, even in Antarctica.
True
False
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Caffeine and nicotine are lifestyle compounds that can enter drinking water sources via wastewater.
True
False
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
Household and hospital wastewater does not contain pharmaceutical residues, as all contaminants are removed during wastewater treatment.
True
False
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
The pharmaceutical residues in the investigated drinking water sample entered naturally, without human influence.
true
false
How to play?
Reveal the Source of Pollution!
The pharmaceutical residues in the investigated drinking water sample originate from human consumption and were likely introduced through wastewater treatment plant discharge.
true
false
How to play?
Congratulations! You have uncovered the full picture!
Remember, the second digit of the code is:
How Did the Contamination Travel from the Wastewater Plant to the Drinking Water?
Continue the investigation!
Drinking Water Sources Challenge
Welcome to the challenge! Your task is to explore different types of drinking water sources and their potential contamination risks.
How to play?
Have you reviewed all 10 slides? It's time for a quiz!
Drinking Water Sources
1/6. Which water sources are more protected from surface contamination?
A) Karst and groundwater B) Rivers and lakes C) Artificial reservoirs
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
1/6. Which water sources are more protected from surface contamination?
A) Karst and groundwater
2/6. How can contaminants enter karst and groundwater sources?
A) Direct infiltration from surface waters B) Slow infiltration through the soil C) Direct absorption of precipitation
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
1/6. Which water sources are more protected from surface contamination?
A) Karst and groundwater
2/6. How can contaminants enter karst and groundwater sources?
B) Slow infiltration through the soil
A) They have direct contact with environmental pollutants B) Water moves more slowly in them C) They have a higher natural filtration capacity
3/6. Why are surface waters more sensitive than groundwater sources?
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
Your task is to explore different types of drinking water sources and their potential contamination risks.
How to play?
Have you reviewed all 10 slides? It's time for a quiz!
Drinking Water Sources
4/6. What does riverbank filtration mean in drinking water production?
A) Water flows through natural filter layers before reaching wells B) Chemical filtration methods are applied C) River water is directly purified using filtration equipment
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
4/6. What does riverbank filtration mean in drinking water production?
A) Water flows through natural filter layers before reaching wells
5/6. How effective is riverbank filtration in removing pharmaceutical residues?
A) Completely removes all pharmaceutical residues B) Significantly reduces them but cannot eliminate them completely C) Does not reduce them at all
How to play?
Drinking Water Sources
4/6. What does riverbank filtration mean in drinking water production?
A) Water flows through natural filter layers before reaching wells
5/6. How effective is riverbank filtration in removing pharmaceutical residues?
B) Significantly reduces them but cannot eliminate them completely
A)Some active substances resist chlorination B) All compounds instantly degrade when exposed to chlorine C) Chlorination itself can create harmful byproducts
6/6. Why is chlorination not sufficient for removing pharmaceutical residues?
How to play?
Congratulations! You now have a deep understanding of drinking water sources!
Remember, the third digit of the code is:
Continue
Water Cycle Puzzle
How did pharmaceutical residues end up in drinking water?
A crucial challenge awaits you! Your goal is to understand how pharmaceutical residues travel from wastewater to drinking water. To solve this, you need to arrange the steps of the water cycle in the correct order.
Tip: Recall what you have learned at previous locations – laboratory analyses and the identification of pollution sources!
Are you ready for the challenge?
Let's begin!
How to play?
Water Cycle Puzzle
How did pharmaceutical residues end up in drinking water?
Drinking Water Source: Drinking water is extracted from rivers, lakes, or underground water sources, which may contain pharmaceutical residues.
Wastewater Treatment Plant: AThe treatment process removes many pollutants, but some pharmaceutical residues pass through the system.
Drinking Water Network: Water treatment facilities cannot always eliminate these compounds, so small amounts may enter drinking water.
Pharmaceutical Use (households or hospitals): People take medications, and part of these substances is excreted and enters the wastewater system.
River/Lake: Treated wastewater is discharged into natural water bodies, where remaining pharmaceutical residues continue to spread.
Wastewater System: Used water (containing pharmaceutical residues) flows through the sewer system to the wastewater treatment plant.
Stay Alert! You only have 10 seconds to find the next step!
How to play?
Let's start!
Time is up!
Try again
Find step 1 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
Pharmaceutical Use
River/lake
Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 2 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
River/Lake
Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 3 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 4 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 5 in 10 seconds
Drinking Water Source
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
4. River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Find step 6 in 10 seconds
5. Drinking Water Source
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant
Drinking Water Network
1. Pharmaceutical Use
4. River/Lake
2. Wastewater System
How to play?
00:10
Congratulations! You now understand how pharmaceutical residues travel through the environment!
Remember, the fourth digit of the final code is:
Continue
Congratulations!
You have discovered that household pharmaceutical use and hospital wastewater together contribute to contamination. Current wastewater treatment technology is insufficient, allowing pharmaceutical residues to enter rivers and eventually drinking water. Enter the code and proceed to the final challenge!
3741
Enter the code and continue!
code
Find the Solution to the Problem!
Welcome to the Problems and Solutions Challenge! Your task is to find the appropriate solution for each listed problem. Goal: By identifying the correct solutions, you will learn what factors help reduce pharmaceutical contamination in drinking water.
Find the solution!
How to play?
Wrong solution!
Try again
Problem: wastewater treatment plants cannot remove all pharmaceutical residues
How to play?
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
How to play?
Problem: some people flush unused medications down the toilet
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
How to play?
Problem: antibiotics used in livestock farming enter water sources
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
Problem: undetectable pharmaceutical residues may still be present in water
How to play?
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
Problem: not all pharmaceutical residues can be detected with current analytical methods
How to play?
Develop advanced wastewater treatment technologies
Continuous water quality monitoring and precautionary measures
Regulate antibiotic use in livestock farming and promote alternative treatments
Develop and apply more sensitive water analysis technologies
Promote pharmaceutical take-back programs
Congratulations! You now understand what factors can help reduce pharmaceutical residues in drinking water!
Remember, the first character of the final solution code is:
GY
Let's play a memory game!
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
1. At the start, you will see all the cards for 10 seconds – the top row contains "problems", and the bottom row contains their corresponding solutions.
2. The cards will then flip over, leaving only one visible problem at a time.
3. Choose the correct matching solution from the flipped cards in the bottom row.
4. Correct answer: The next problem appears.
5. Wrong answer: The game restarts.
Ready to play the memory game?
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
00:10
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
How to play?
Memory GameFind the Correct Solution!
Congratulations!
Remember, the second character of the final solution code is:
Ready for the final challange
Create an Educational Campaign
Growing Knowledge: Stop Flushing Medications!
Now it's your turn to create an effective educational campaign to grow knowledge about the dangers of flushing medications down the drain or toilet! To do this, you must arrange the key steps of the campaign in the correct order. If you successfully organize the campaign, you will be one step closer to the final solution!
Pay attention! You only have 10 seconds to find each step!
Are you ready for the challenge?
How to play?
Let's start!
Icorrect!
Try again
Találd meg az1. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg a2. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
Plan the campaign elementsPosters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg a3. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
2. Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg a4. lépést!
00:10
Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
3. Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
2. Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Találd meg az5. lépést!
00:10
4. Create informational materials Design eye-catching flyers, websites, and social media posts
3. Plan the campaign elements Posters, videos, events, interactive programs
Engage social media and local pharmacies How can you spread the message to as many people as possible?
2. Identify the target audience Who should the campaign reach? (e.g., seniors, families, young adults)
1. Define the problem Why is improper medication disposal dangerous?
How to play?
Congratulations!
You have successfully developed a campaign to grow knowledge and help protect our water sources!
Remember, the third character of the final solution code is:
The final solution
Enter the code for the final solution!
CODE
To access the prize challenge, answer these three familiar questions again!Has your opinion changed?
To access the prize challenge, answer these three familiar questions again!Has your opinion changed?
To access the prize challenge, answer these three familiar questions again!Has your opinion changed?
To enter the prize challenge, click here:
Continue
Gratulálunk!
Sikeresen feltártad a problémát, azonosítottad a szennyező forrásokat, és kidolgoztad a megoldásokat! Köszönjük, hogy részt vettél a küldetésben – most már tudod, milyen fontos a tudatos gyógyszerhasználat és a vízvédelem.
Oszd meg a sikeredet!Posztold az eredményedet Facebook-oldaladon, és inspirálj másokat is, hogy csatlakozzanak a környezettudatos szemlélethez! Írd meg nekünk: mi volt számodra a legérdekesebb felismerés a játék során?Kommentben várjuk a véleményed!
To enter the first location, answer the following four questions: