Distribution, sources, and ecological risk assessment of quinotone antibiotics in the surface sediments from Jiaozhou Bay wetland, China

Highlights: • Quinolone antibiotics widely existed in Jiaozhou Bay wetland. • Quinolone antibiotics were primarily originated from sewage discharges from hospitals, human and aquaculture industries. • A significant positive correlation was obtained between mean OFL and ENR level against TOC. • Except OFL with a medium risk, other antibiotics exhibited lower risk in Jiaozhou Bay wetland. - Abstract: The distribution, sources, and risk assessment of eight quinotone antibiotics (QNs) in the surface sediments from the wetland in Jiaozhou Bay were investigated. The results showed that QNs were detected in all samples, and the total concentrations of QNs in the sediments ranged from 0.276 to 5.229 ng/g. The highest concentration occurred at the entrance to the Yang River wetland. Principal component analysis suggested that the QNs mainly originated from sewage discharges from hospitals, human and aquaculture industries. Risk assessment, based on risk quotients, indicated the current ofloxacin level might be a medium risk level, while other QNs were all low risk. Nevertheless, there should still be concerns due to high consumption of QNs by human beings, animals, and aquatic organisms in the wetland. This investigation provides baseline data that the government can use as a reference guide to control QNs residues in Jiaozhou Bay wetland.