In:
Addiction, Wiley, Vol. 109, No. 8 ( 2014-08), p. 1338-1352
Abstract:
To perform wastewater analyses to assess spatial differences and temporal changes of illicit drug use in a large E uropean population. Design Analyses of raw wastewater over a 1‐week period in 2012 and 2013. Setting and Participants Catchment areas of wastewater treatment plants ( WWTP s) across E urope, as follows: 2012: 25 WWTP s in 11 countries (23 cities, total population 11.50 million); 2013: 47 WWTP s in 21 countries (42 cities, total population 24.74 million). Measurements Excretion products of five illicit drugs (cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, cannabis) were quantified in wastewater samples using methods based on liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Findings Spatial differences were assessed and confirmed to vary greatly across E uropean metropolitan areas. In general, results were in agreement with traditional surveillance data, where available. While temporal changes were substantial in individual cities and years ( P ranging from insignificant to 〈 10 −3 ), overall means were relatively stable. The overall mean of methamphetamine was an exception (apparent decline in 2012), as it was influenced mainly by four cities. Conclusions Wastewater analysis performed across Europe provides complementary evidence on illicit drug consumption and generally concurs with traditional surveillance data. Wastewater analysis can measure total illicit drug use more quickly and regularly than is the current norm for national surveys, and creates estimates where such data does not exist.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0965-2140
,
1360-0443
DOI:
10.1111/add.2014.109.issue-8
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2014
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2002997-4
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