High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) simulators play a significant role in enhancing virtual laboratory learning by providing students with an interactive platform for distance learning, allowing them to understand chromatographic principles without the need for physical instruments. These simulators enable students to manipulate variables such as mobile phase composition, flow rate, temperature, and column characteristics, allowing them to observe the effects on retention time, resolution, and peak shape. Consequently, students can develop critical analytical thinking, method development skills, and data interpretation abilities in a safe, cost-effective, and accessible environment. Furthermore, HPLC simulators bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications, increasing student confidence and preparedness for real laboratory experiments. This tool can be combined with experimental design and the Response Surface Methodology to optimize the separation of selected compounds.

The planned methodology sequence consists of:
1) Proposing a challenging environmental problem to be solved—monitoring BTEX compounds (particularly, benzene, toluene, and xylene) pollutants in wastewater;
2) training using a free online HPLC simulator;
3) applying experimental design to evaluate the effect of HPLC parameters and collect data about separation parameters for the selected compounds;
4) applying response surface methodology using free statistical computing and data visualization software for optimization and data analysis; and
5) interpreting the results.

Integrating such virtual tools into chemistry, pharmaceutical, and chemical engineering education promotes active learning, reduces resource constraints, and fosters a deeper comprehension of chromatography techniques and optimization tools essential for professional practice. Furthermore, applying this methodology to real case studies, such as analyzing emerging pollutants like BTEX compounds in water, can enhance students’ environmental awareness and demonstrate the practical importance of analytical chemistry and mathematical optimization in addressing global issues.

Keywords: Critical thinking, chromatography simulator, experimental design, virtual learning.