Analysis of abuse substances in wastewater

Purpose

Measurements of substances are carried out either upstream, for example in the sewage of workplaces and schools, or downstream in treatment plants, which can then provide an overview of usage in a municipality. Compared to, for example, interview questions and random samples at workplaces, these measurements offer a more objective assessment of entire populations and serve as a good replacement or complement to other interventions at a workplace or in an area.

Wastewater analysis of drugs and doping is a cost-effective method for assessing drug use on a large scale. It can also be used to identify differences between different areas in a city or even measure differences between departments and buildings within the same workplace.

Method of analysis

We measure the presence of drugs and/or doping agents in water samples using mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In the drug panel, we analyze approximately 10 commonly occurring substances, and in the doping panel, about 16 different agents.

Our analysis methods have been validated through an intercalibration study within the SCORE research network, which is responsible for organizing annual surveys of drug use in Europe through analyses of municipal wastewater.

If you are unable to carry out the sampling yourselves, we are happy to assist with that service.

Delivery

We compile the results of the analyses in a report where we usually indicate levels per 1,000 inhabitants & 24 hours.

In addition to the analysis of controlled substances we can offer assistance with interpretation (consultation), presentation, calculations based on prescription of substances, and help you compile results into larger reports.