Spatial and Temporal Distribution and Risk Assessment of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Tail Water and Surface Water of Shanghai Sewage Treatment Plants

The occurrence and distribution characteristics of 10 typical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the tail water of six sewage treatment plants in Shanghai were studied, and the risk quotient (RQ) model was used to assess their potential ecological and environmental risks. The results showed that 10 typical NSAIDs were detected in the tail water, of which the detected concentration of acetaminophen was as high as 1338.75 ng/L; the concentration of NSAIDs in the tail water of six Shanghai wastewater treatment plants showed temporal and spatial distribution characteristics; the ecological risk of NSAIDs in receiving waters was evaluated with reference to the RQ model. The results showed that the risk entropy values of ibuprofen and diclofenac were greater than 0.1 among all the target substances detected, indicating their impact on the water. The ecological environment had a moderate risk, which was closely related to the frequent use of the two target substances.