Flushed results
I was fascinated by news of a study by University
of Adelaide of monitoring drugs in the sewerage system. It’s quite an
innovative approach to mining sewerage data.
The drugs detected (and passed by people at the
toilet) show alarming increases, especially with methamphetamine (ice).
There are differences between types of drugs used
in the country vs. in metro Adelaide.
Samples were taken from 15 sewage treatment plants
across South Australia and tested for traces of ecstasy, methamphetamines and
cocaine.
There is increased use of methamphetamine over the
weekend.
Methamphetamine was the drug of choice in the city, while country people
preferred ecstasy. Cocaine was last on the list everywhere.
I’m curious about the stated
intention to develop a biomarker to determine how many humans contribute to the
flow (of data). At the moment, there are only estimates of the population size served
by each sewage plant.I’ll try to flush out more information about how the biomarkers work …
Meanwhile, here are some links for more general information …
A fascinating study.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't aware they could detects drugs this way.
The results are a concern.
It's a real reflection of society today.
ReplyDeletePeople being tested and totally unaware.
When you drill down into the statistics, the increase in drug use is a concern.
Now I have concern about the recycled water being pumped back to Unley and used on the ovals and in the parks.
ReplyDeleteHow will the plants respond to the cocktail of drugs?
Will the plants get addicted to Ice and Ecstasy?
A good question.
DeleteI will find out.
The water also is used in the Virginia area to water the vegetable gardens so I hope that these crops (that we eat) are not affected.
I put the question to the Council Horticultural section.
DeleteIt seems to be the toughest question I have raised.
I'll get back when I have an answer.
It might be a wee problem
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that SA has a desalination plant rather then using recycled water for drinking.
ReplyDeleteI don't want to be drinking all those hormones and drugs.