Biomedical
Wastewater and the Elimination of Bias
Jeffrey Brent,
Stephanie T. Weiss
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
The article discusses the advantages of wastewater sampling for monitoring drug use in communities. It highlights how wastewater surveillance avoids biases seen in other drug monitoring methods and offers valuable insights into drug consumption patterns. The paper also addresses the potential for wastewater sampling to identify novel psychoactive substances (NPS) and warns about the stigmatization risks associated with identifying high-risk communities. Furthermore, it advocates for the use of wastewater data in public health efforts, especially in the context of rising drug-related deaths.
Key Questions
What is the main advantage of wastewater sampling in drug surveillance?
Wastewater sampling surveys entire communities, providing anonymous, sensitive, and accurate data without biases from individual reporting.
How can wastewater surveillance help detect new psychoactive substances (NPS)?
Wastewater can detect NPS through its sensitivity, but advanced analytical techniques are necessary to identify novel substances effectively.
What challenges arise from wastewater sampling in terms of community stigma?
Identifying specific communities with higher drug use can lead to stigmatization, affecting real estate and community development.
