Wastewater Analysis and Drugs - A European Multi-City Study
Submitted by Edie
- 12 March 2020
Wastewater analysis is widely applied internationally as a tool to measure and interpret drug use within national populations.
By gathering samples of a known source of wastewater scientists can estimate the number of drugs used in a community from the measured levels of illicit drugs and their metabolites excreted in the urine.
EMCDDA has published the latest results of European multi-city wastewater analysis and drugs study.
The characteristics of European cities differ considerably; with some being major tourist or business hubs with varying day and night time populations. The results provide a valuable snapshot of the drug flow through the cities involved, revealing marked geographical variations.