Using quantitative wastewater analysis to measure daily usage of conventional and emerging illicit drugs at an annual music festival

摘要: Introduction and Aims: Wastewater analysis provides a non-intrusive way of measuring drug use within population. We used this approach to determine daily conventional illicit drugs [cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)] emerging psychostimulants (benzylpiperazine, mephedrone methylone) in two consecutive years (2010 2011) at an annual music festival. Design Methods: Daily composite wastewater samples, representative the festival, were collected from on-site treatment plant analysed for metabolites. Data over 2 compared using Wilcoxon matched-pair test. 2010 festival with data same time nearby urban community equivalent methods. Results: Conventional detected all samples whereas found only on specific days. The estimated per capita consumption MDMA, cocaine cannabis was similar between years. Statistically significant (P<0.05; Z=-2.0-2.2) decreases observed one psychostimulant (benzyl piperazine). Only MDMA elevated community. Discussion Conclusions: Rates substance remained relatively consistent monitoring Compared community, among goers confirming its popularity settings. Our study demonstrated that can objectively capture changes setting without raising major ethical issues. It would potentially allow effective assessments prevention strategies such settings future.