How well do these absorb water? i need sterile pads for a non medical purpose. will it absorb about 8 drops of water well?

These are very low quality, and not 8-ply as alleged. I don't know how to explain it, but the weave of the thin thread is so separated that you can see right through it, even folded in 4 as they come. Not sure if they would absorb even just 8 drops of water. I returned them.

What ply are these pads?

These pads are complete garbage. I think the manufacturer forgot a decimal point. Maybe 1.2 ply would be believable. Put it this way - get some Target Up brand toilet paper. Take a sheet, fold it in half. What you have in your hand is about as thick, and probably more absorbent, then this "12 ply".

Are they non stick with adhesive tabs

The Dealmed Sterile Gauze Pads, individually wrapped, absorbent, 4" x 4", 100/box are non stick. They do not have adhesive tabs. These gauze pads are plain Sterile Gauze Pads, all gauze U.S.P. Type VII. On the box it states: "Not made with natural rubber latex", just natural weave Gauze. There is one Gauze Pad per paper package. 100 paper packages/ Box.