Refining the estimation of amphetamine consumption by wastewater-based epidemiology

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Forensic Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) monitors illicit drug consumption.
• Co-consumption of amphetamine (AMP) and methamphetamine (METH) can skew AMP WBE estimates.
• Accurate AMP consumption data is crucial for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the average ratio of amphetamine excreted in wastewater after methamphetamine consumption.
• To refine AMP consumption estimations in areas with co-existing AMP and METH use.
• To address potential overestimation of AMP use in WBE studies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing WBE data.
• Analysis of over 6000 wastewater samples from Australia.
• Calculation of the median AMP/METH ratio in wastewater, accounting for legal AMP sources.

Main Results:

• A median AMP/METH excretion ratio of 0.09 was identified in Australian wastewater.
• Failure to account for METH-derived AMP can lead to up to 83% overestimation of AMP use in European catchments.
• The AMP/METH ratio significantly impacts the accuracy of WBE for AMP consumption.

Conclusions:

• The established AMP/METH ratio allows for more accurate WBE estimations of AMP consumption.
• This method corrects for AMP excreted following METH use, enhancing WBE reliability.
• Accurate drug consumption data is vital for targeted public health strategies and resource allocation.