Urban Groundwater Contamination by Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Pharmaceuticals, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and their metabolites, have become a major concern due to increasing consumption widespread occurrence in the environment. In this paper, we investigate of NSAIDs metabolites an urban aquifer, which may serve potential resource for drinking water, propose methodology assess removal these substances river–groundwater interface. Then, risk quotients (RQs) are computed, order determine posed by single mixture human health. To end, six two were collected from aquifer located metropolitan area Barcelona (NE, Spain), pollution source is contaminated river. All target detected groundwater samples, where concentrations higher than those found river water (except ibuprofen). Diclofenac, ketoprofen, propyphenazone salicylic acid at high mean (ranging 91.8 ng/L 225.2 ng/L) aquifer. contrast, phenazone mefenamic low (i.e., lower 25 According proposed approach, mixing recharge into seemed some extent promote under sub-oxic denitrifying conditions groundwater. The that presented values 4OH diclofenac (0.8), ibuprofen (0.78), (0.35) (0.28), likely be naturally attenuated aforementioned redox conditions. Concerning health assessment, do not pose any all age intervals considered, associated RQs less 0.05. Nevertheless, value must taken with caution, many pharmaceuticals might occur simultaneously