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Spatial differences and temporal changes in illicit drug use in Europe quantified by wastewater analysis.

Authors :
Ort, Christoph
Nuijs, Alexander L. N.
Berset, Jean‐Daniel
Bijlsma, Lubertus
Castiglioni, Sara
Covaci, Adrian
Voogt, Pim
Emke, Erik
Fatta‐Kassinos, Despo
Griffiths, Paul
Hernández, Félix
González‐Mariño, Iria
Grabic, Roman
Kasprzyk‐Hordern, Barbara
Mastroianni, Nicola
Meierjohann, Axel
Nefau, Thomas
Östman, Marcus
Pico, Yolanda
Racamonde, Ines
Source :
Addiction; Aug2014, Vol. 109 Issue 8, p1338-1352, 15p
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Aims To perform wastewater analyses to assess spatial differences and temporal changes of illicit drug use in a large European population. Design Analyses of raw wastewater over a 1-week period in 2012 and 2013. Setting and Participants Catchment areas of wastewater treatment plants ( WWTPs) across Europe, as follows: 2012: 25 WWTPs in 11 countries (23 cities, total population 11.50 million); 2013: 47 WWTPs 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 European 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<superscript>−3</superscript>), 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
09652140
Volume :
109
Issue :
8
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Addiction
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
96956393
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/add.12570