Marked decline in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) based on wastewater analysis

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dc.contributor.authorChen, C.
dc.contributor.authorKostakis, C.
dc.contributor.authorHarpas, P.
dc.contributor.authorFelgate, P.
dc.contributor.authorIrvine, R.
dc.contributor.authorWhite, J.
dc.date.issued2011
dc.description.abstractObjective: Recent reports in Europe suggest a decline in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; Ecstasy) use, but quantifiable and objective measurement is unavailable. The global extent of changes in MDMA and related stimulant use is also unclear. This study aims to quantify changes in MDMA use in Australia and determine whether these changes have been accompanied by differing amounts of other stimulant use. Method: We acquired information on recent use of MDMA and related illicit stimulants in Australia using the method of wastewater analysis. Untreated wastewater samples collected from three metropolitan treatment plants in Adelaide from May to July 2009 and the same months in 2010 were analyzed. Concentrations of MDMA, methamphetamine, and benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of cocaine) were determined using solid phase extraction–liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Weekly consumed doses of MDMA, methamphetamine, and cocaine per 1,000 people were estimated. Results: From 2009 to 2010, weekly consumption of MDMA decreased from mean of 4.52 (SEM = 0.74) doses/week per 1,000 people to 0.08 (0.01) doses/week per 1,000 people (p < .001); weekly consumption of methamphetamine increased from a mean of 48.35 (6.13) doses/week per 1,000 people to 68.13 (5.33) doses/week per 1,000 people (p < .05); and weekly consumed doses of cocaine did not significantly change. Local roadside saliva testing data also showed that the MDMA-positive test rate decreased from 0.30% to 0.05% and the methamphetamine-positive test rate increased from 1.43% to 1.52% during the past 2 years. Conclusions: This study shows a 50-fold decrease in consumed doses of MDMA with a rise in methamphetamine use in Australia over a 1-year period.
dc.description.statementofresponsibilityChang Chen, Chris Kostakis, Peter Harpas, Peter D. Felgate, Rodney J. Irvine, Jason M. White
dc.identifier.citationJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 2011; 72(5):737-740
dc.identifier.doi10.15288/jsad.2011.72.737
dc.identifier.issn1937-1888
dc.identifier.issn1938-4114
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/2440/69140
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherAlcohol Research Documentation, Inc
dc.rightsCopyright status unknown
dc.source.urihttp://www.jsad.com/jsad/article/Marked_Decline_in_34Methylenedioxymethamphetamine_MDMA_Based_on_Wastewa/4610.html
dc.subjectSaliva
dc.subjectHumans
dc.subjectSubstance-Related Disorders
dc.subjectMethamphetamine
dc.subjectN-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine
dc.subjectCocaine
dc.subjectChromatography, High Pressure Liquid
dc.subjectPopulation Surveillance
dc.subjectCross-Sectional Studies
dc.subjectSubstance Abuse Detection
dc.subjectWaste Disposal, Fluid
dc.subjectWater Supply
dc.subjectUrban Health
dc.subjectAustralia
dc.subjectTandem Mass Spectrometry
dc.subjectSolid Phase Extraction
dc.subjectIllicit Drugs
dc.titleMarked decline in 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) based on wastewater analysis
dc.typeJournal article
pubs.publication-statusPublished

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