Occurrence, Spatial Distribution, and Ecological Risk Assessment of PPCPs in Sediments From Wastewater and Receiving River Systems of Lahore, Pakistan

ABSTRACT The excessive usage and improper disposal of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in Pakistan have led to elevated levels of these pollutants in the sediments. This study comprehensively evaluates the occurrence, spatial variability, and ecological risk of 49 PPCPs in sediments collected from the wastewater‐contaminated Hudiara Drain and the receiving River Ravi, Lahore, Pakistan. Antibiotics were the predominant class of PPCPs detected in sediments. The highest concentration was observed for ofloxacin, with a median concentration of 216 µg/kg in the Hudiara Drain and 108 µg/kg in the River Ravi, followed by ciprofloxacin, with a median concentration of 85.8 µg/kg in the River Ravi, and norfloxacin (210 µg/kg) in the Hudiara Drain. The concentration was notably higher in wastewater sediments compared to river water sediments. Spatial variation analysis revealed that local sources, environmental conditions, and PPCP mobility significantly affect their concentrations at a particular site. An ecological risk assessment was conducted by calculating the risk quotient (RQ), which indicates that the presence of these PPCPs poses considerable damage to aquatic communities. To mitigate potential risks, there is a critical need to integrate advancements in wastewater treatment and to implement monitoring programs to track the presence and levels of these pollutants in aquatic environments.