Determining changes in new psychoactive substance use in Australia by wastewater analysis

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Forensic Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Traditional methods for measuring new psychoactive substances (NPS) consumption, such as surveys and seizure data, are often insufficient.
• Previous research demonstrated the utility of wastewater analysis for assessing NPS prevalence on a national scale.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the temporal resolution of new psychoactive substances (NPS) analysis in Australian wastewater.
• To identify specific NPS and their prevalence across different regions and time periods.

Main Methods:

• Wastewater samples were collected bimonthly from October 2017 to June 2018 and October 2019 to February 2020, covering all Australian States and Territories.
• A qualitative screening method was employed to detect 201 different NPS.
• Analysis focused on both metropolitan and regional areas.

Main Results:

• Fifteen distinct NPS were detected across various classes.
• Synthetic cathinones, including pentylone, N-ethylpentylone, ethylone, and paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), were prevalent in the earlier sampling period.
• Eutylone, a synthetic cathinone, was detected for the first time in wastewater during the later sampling period, indicating emerging trends.

Conclusions:

• Wastewater analysis provides a valuable tool for detecting NPS use outbreaks and understanding temporal variations in consumption.
• The study highlights the dynamic nature of NPS markets and the effectiveness of wastewater-based epidemiology in monitoring them.
• Findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring of NPS in wastewater to inform public health interventions.