LC-MS-MS Method for Stimulants in Wastewater During Football Games

A method was developed for the analysis of amphetamines and cocaine (Coc) in wastewater samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). Seven stimulant-type drugs and metabolites were analyzed. These drugs included amphetamine (Amp), methamphetamine (Meth), methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA), Coc and benzoylecgonine (BE, the major metabolite of Coc). These drugs were chosen because of their widespread use. Wastewater samples were collected at both the Oxford Waste Water Treatment Plant in Oxford, Mississippi (MS) and the University Wastewater Treatment Plant in University, MS. Samples were collected on weekends in which the Ole Miss Rebel football team held home games (Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, University, MS 38677). The collected samples were analyzed using a validated method and found to contain Amp, Meth, MDMA, Coc and BE. The concentrations of Amp and BE significantly rose in the university wastewater during football games.