Estimation of amphetamine and methamphetamine uses in Beijing through sewage-based analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Forensic Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Sewage epidemiology is a valuable tool for estimating illicit drug use in populations.
• Understanding amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (METH) consumption patterns is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the patterns of AMP and METH use in Beijing using sewage epidemiology.
• To analyze the sources, spatial distribution, temporal variations, and removal rates of AMP and METH in urban wastewater.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of influent and effluent samples from all 13 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Beijing.
• Quantification of AMP and METH concentrations using wastewater analysis.
• Assessment of drug loads, concentration ratios, and removal efficiencies.

Main Results:

• METH concentrations ranged from tens to hundreds ng·L(-1), while AMP concentrations ranged from several to tens ng·L(-1).
• AMP in sewage primarily resulted from METH metabolism. METH use was higher in central urban areas, correlating with economic status and entertainment.
• METH use peaked in summer, with significant weekday/weekend variations in winter. STPs demonstrated high METH removal efficiency, but AMP removal was lower.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first sewage epidemiology application for a metropolitan area in mainland China, providing insights into METH and AMP use.
• Wastewater analysis effectively tracked drug use patterns and identified key influencing factors.
• Findings highlight the need for targeted public health strategies addressing drug consumption in urban environments.