Traces of cocaine found in wastewater across South Wales
A study by the research team at Bournemouth University found traces of the illicit substance in wastewater in South Wales
Last updated 6th Sep 2024
A recent study has uncovered significant levels of cocaine residue in the wastewater of South Wales, with a portion remaining in the water supply even after treatment.
Researchers from Bournemouth University conducted the study, which found that over 25% of cocaine by products were still present after treatment at two wastewater plants in the region.
The study, published in Nature Scientific Reports, aimed to examine the presence of New Psychoactive Substances but revealed that benzoylecgonine, a compound produced when the body metabolises cocaine, was the most frequently detected substance.
Over a two-month period, researchers analysed wastewater samples collected from Friday to Monday each week.
The results showed an average cocaine consumption rate of 3.88 milligrams per day per thousand people near one treatment plant, and 1.97 milligrams per thousand people near another.
The highest level, 8.54 milligrams per day, was observed after a weekend with an international rugby match in Cardiff, where local footfall was significantly higher.
The study also highlighted that only 73% of the benzoylecgonine was removed during wastewater treatment, suggesting a need for improved processes to prevent drug residues from entering the public water supply.
The research team used the WEDINOS platform, which allows individuals to anonymously submit substances for analysis, helping them target specific psychoactive substances in their samples.
In addition to providing insights for water treatment improvements, lead researcher Bethan and her team believe the screening methods developed in the study could assist local health and social care services in understanding drug use patterns in the region.
Bethan said: "Testing for NPS’s can be expensive, especially because they evolve very quickly.
"So by knowing what is popular within certainly communities, we can tailor how we test for certain substances in different areas and do not spend time and resources testing for drugs that are not around.
"Understanding more about the most common drugs in communities could be very useful for those who have to work with people who misuse them, helping them develop public messaging about the risks and being able to provide the most effective treatment."