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Wastewater Study Reveals
Municipal Drug Use Patterns
 Corvallis,
OR - A team of researchers has developed an automated
monitoring method that makes it possible to detect traces of
drugs, from cocaine to caffeine, in municipal wastewater and
monitor the patterns of drug use in entire communities.
Their findings were reported today at the American Chemical
Society meeting in Boston.
Oregon State University chemist
Jennifer Field described methodologies that she developed
with colleagues Daniel Sudakin, an OSU toxicologist, Caleb
Banta-Green, a drug epidemiologist at the University of
Washington, and Aurea Chiaia Hernandez, an OSU graduate
student.
The method could provide a drug
surveillance tool to help public health and law enforcement
officials identify patterns of drug abuse across
municipalities of all sizes.
The presence of both
pharmaceutical and illicit drugs in municipal wastewater has
been known for several years, beginning with groundbreaking
studies in Europe that tracked the presence of drugs in
sewage and river water. Field and her colleagues have
developed new methods of chemical analysis so that detection
is possible from very small samples taken automatically over
a 24-hour period from wastewater as it enters a treatment
plant.
“It’s like a very diluted urine
sample collected from an entire community,” Field said.
The analysis can detect the
presence of a long list of illicit drugs, from
methamphetamine to Ecstasy and other markers of human
presence such as caffeine and cotinine, a break-down product
of nicotine from cigarette smoke. Although wastewater
is often tested for contaminants after it is treated as a
measure of potential environmental impact, this new approach
tests sewage as it enters a wastewater treatment plant,
before it is treated, to get a profile of the drugs being
used in the community.
“This method is most useful for
drug surveillance at the community level,” Field said.
Finding patterns of drug
consumption in the wastewater can alert municipalities to
problems that occur in particular communities or at
particular times. This may be useful for tracking such
things as the geographic patterns of methamphetamine use.
Oregon and Washington have
experienced a three-fold increase in meth-related deaths in
recent years, according to Banta-Green, who is a research
scientist at UW’s Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute.
But translating a tiny trace of drug into the number of
individual users is problematic, according to the
researchers, requiring many assumptions and variables such
as dose, frequency, excretion rates, and whether the drug
was ingested or inhaled.
“Wastewater analysis is a more
powerful indicator at the community level,” Field said. “We
are interested in the 'community load' of drugs, so we want
to take samples as close to the urinal as possible without
violating the privacy of individuals.”
The researchers tested wastewater
from ten mid-sized municipalities, calculating the
concentrations of individual drugs and using the volume of
wastewater flowing into the treatment plant and the
municipal population in order to estimate the community load
of each drug.
According to Sudakin, who is both
a physician and a toxicologist at OSU, the value of such
data multiplies when entered into a database of spatial
statistics on drug use. When the chemical analysis of
wastewater is added to geographic data on, for example,
methamphetamine poisoning incidents, meth-related deaths,
and meth lab seizures, patterns emerge that may help
officials develop preventive interventions.
Even in their preliminary study,
the researchers found patterns over time of drug occurrence
in wastewater, with higher concentrations of recreational
drugs (such as cocaine) on weekends. They found no change in
concentrations of either prescription drugs or
methamphetamines in their samples over time, which suggests
more consistent use of both.
The researchers’ wastewater
analysis demonstrates that the new methodology can be
applied cost-effectively on a larger scale to collect data
from communities across Oregon or any other state. And
because the data can be collected daily, weekly, or monthly,
they represent a real-time measure that provides communities
with more opportunity for prevention and intervention.
Up to now, most conventional
studies of community-level drug abuse have been conducted in
a few very large cities. This new method, because it is
automated and relies on tiny samples from municipal
treatment plants, can be used in more and smaller
communities, making it possible to portray patterns of drug
use across much more of the population.
“The methods allow us to better
understand the geographic differences in the abuse of drugs
(particularly methamphetamine) within the state of Oregon,”
Sudakin said. “We hope that these tools may be useful in
identifying communities at risk and developing preventive
interventions to reduce the adverse impact of
methamphetamine throughout the state.”
Source:
http://www.oregonstate.edu/
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This
newsletter is sponsored by:
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2007 NGWA Ground Water Expo and
Meeting
 Orlando,
FL -- Join your fellow ground water industry professionals
December 4-7 in Orlando, Florida, at the 2007 NGWA Ground
Water Expo and Annual Meeting, where together, we will Soar
to Success!
Conference dates: December 4-7.
Exhibit dates: December 5-7.
NGWA invites contractors,
scientists and engineers, manufacturers, and suppliers to
come and be a part of an event where, learning and working
side-by-side, we may all better understand the issues and
challenges affecting today's, as well as tomorrow's, ground
water industry.
The educational program includes
workshops, panel discussions, and topical sessions that run
the gamut from drilling operations and well construction to
business management and professional development. There will
also be plenty of other opportunities for learning, sharing,
and networking.
General sessions include the
Keynote Address, President's Dinner, Membership Breakfast
Meeting and Roundtables, and Delegates Meeting. There will
be an overflowing exhibit hall, as well as the first Water
Well Journal® New Products Showcase. And, of course, there
are the NGWREF Darcy and McEllhiney lectures, NGWA Awards
presentations, Attendee Welcome Reception, NGWA Golf Outing,
an Auxiliary-planned tour of the Kennedy Space Center
including lunch with an astronaut, and so much more.
Plan today to attend the 2007
NGWA Ground Water Expo December 4-7 at the Orange County
Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Add this page to your
"Favorites" list and check back for updates on all that will
be offered at this year's leading ground water industry
event!
All events except the four
General Sessions and any others as noted take place at the
Orange County Convention Center. The General Sessions,
Keynote Address, President's Dinner and NGWREF Scholarship
Fundraising Auction, General Membership Breakfast Meeting
and Roundtables, and Delegates Meeting, take place in the
Rosen Plaza Hotel. Shuttle service between the facilities
will be provided.
Information in the Expo 2007
section is current as of 8-1-2007. For further help, e-mail
customerservice@ngwa.org or call 800 551.7379 (614
898.7791 outside the United States).
Web site:
http://www.ngwa.org/
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New Puron MBR Submerged Module
 Wilmington,
MA -- Koch Membrane Systems, Inc. (KMS), a world-class
developer and manufacturer of innovative membranes and
filtration systems, has announced the launch of its new 1500
square meter PURON™ module for membrane bioreactor (MBR)
applications. The improved submerged membrane module
features greater packing density, lower energy costs for
aeration, and simplified installation while providing even
greater compatibility with other commercially available
systems.
The
PURON MBR modules can now be ordered in configurations with
1500, 500, 235, or 30 square meters of membrane area. The
introduction of the new 1500 square meter module is
particularly significant because it was specifically
designed for large-scale MBR projects. Features such as a
redesigned permeate extraction manifold and air supply lines
reduce the number of piping connections during installation.
For additional flexibility, the 1500 square meter
configuration will allow for partial module filling to
accommodate a range of 1000 to 1500 square meters of
membrane per module, enabling users to easily retrofit the
advanced PURON technology into systems with comparably sized
modules.
To
simplify membrane cleaning and maintenance the central
aeration system, a proprietary feature of the PURON module,
and the bottom header have both been redesigned. The new
aeration system reduces the flow rate during air scouring
resulting in a decrease in air usage by up to 20% over the
original design.
A key
advantage of the patented PURON system is the use of a
single header with hollow fibers that are fixed only at the
bottom. The sealed upper end of the fibers is allowed to
float freely. This eliminates the build-up of hair and
fibrous materials that can clog the upper end of membrane
fibers in MBR designs that employ both a top and bottom
header.
Solids
and particulates, including bacteria, are retained by the
membrane and remain on the outside, while permeate is drawn
through the membrane to the inside of the fibers.
Outside-to-inside technology such as this provides optimal
solids management and a high flow-rate, while using up to 50
percent less energy than other MBR systems.
MBR
systems with submerged membrane modules are increasingly
used for some of the toughest wastewater treatment
applications including sewage treatment for municipalities
and treatment of wastewater for beverage, textile, food,
paper, and chemicals industries. By using MBR systems to
recycle process water, industrial companies cut wastewater
disposal costs and reduce consumption of fresh water.
Web
site:
http://www.kochmembrane.com/
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Famed
Photographer to Speak at WEFTEC.07
 Alexandria,
VA -- Famed underwater photographer David Doubilet will
round-out a dynamic line-up of speakers during the Opening
General Session of WEFTEC.07 – the Water Environment
Federation’s 80th annual technical exhibition and conference –
later this year in San Diego, Calif.
Considered the world’s leading
underwater photographer, Doubilet has introduced a generation of
readers to the mysteries and wonders of the deep. Exploring
remote atolls, barrier reefs and exotic marine life he has shot
over 60 stories for National Geographic and published numerous
books. Celebrated worldwide, his photographs are prized as much
for their scientific value as their aesthetic beauty and will be
featured in his presentation, Water Portraits from our Blue
Planet.
As the kick-off event of the
conference, the well-rounded program will also feature San Diego
Mayor Jerry Sanders, 2007 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate and
Stanford University Professor Dr. Perry L. McCarty, WEF
President Mohamed Dahab, Incoming WEF President Adam Zabinski,
WEF award presentations and the 2007 Stockholm Junior Water
Prize winners.
Scheduled for Sunday, October 14 from
4:30 pm to 6:00 pm in Ballrooms 20A, B/C of the San Diego
Convention Center, this high-profile event sets the tone for the
conference that draws thousands of water quality professionals
from around the world each year.
With a world-class technical program
of 119 technical sessions, 29 workshops and 8 facility tours,
WEFTEC is the largest conference of its kind in North America
and offers the best water quality training and education
available today. Also recognized as the largest annual water
quality exhibition in the world, the WEFTEC exhibition provides
attendees with unparalleled access to the latest water quality
developments, research, regulations, solutions and cutting-edge
technologies.
For more information about the
Opening General Session and other conference activities, visit
http://www.weftec.org/
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Water
and Wastewater Featured Videos
Watch, upload and share industry
videos, add your video - free!
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| Help Forum :
Hot Messages from the Help Forum
People post their requests
for help and offer their suggestions to others in our open
forum.
Mr. Chen wants to know - circular or square tanks:
I am designing a secondary
sedimentation tank, some think rectangular sedimentation
tank is suited for large WWTP, because footprint is less.
Others think circular sedimentation tank has better
performance and easy operation. I don't know which is
better.
I don't know what's the trend
of secondary sedimentation tanks in US or Europe. Does
someone know? (Click
here to post a reply)
Thanks,
Jack Chen
BDC
activesludge@126.com
Ms. Nash wants to replace the
plant's bar screens:
We are currently
investigating replacement options for our existing bar
screens. Can anyone give me some advantages and
disadvantages for step screens and rotary drum screens?
I am also interested in other alternatives to these two
methods.
(Click
here to post a reply)
Thanks,
Hilary Nash
CAMS
hilaryn@coliban.com.au
Help Forum:
Share your
expertise with others in our
Help
Forum. |
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| From the Job
Fair: Plant Operator II
- San Angelo, TX
The City of San Angelo has an
opening for a Plant Operator II.
Duties Include: Monitors all
gauges, meters and controls to ensure proper functions of
the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Operates various plant
equipment, starts and stops pumps, makes adjustments to
ensure proper treatment occurs. Makes daily and monthly
reports on water and wastewater operations. Collects 24-hour
composite samples and any maintenance or operational work
necessary at the plant as directed by plant supervisors.
Hours: Mon. thru Fri.; 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Rotating shift
work may be required.
Minimum Standards & Essential
Job Functions: Must have Class C Wastewater License at time
of application. Class B Wastewater preferred. Must be able
to upgrade to the license required by the Texas Natural
Resources Conservation Commission to operate the plant
without supervision.
Ability to perform strenuous
labor for extended periods of time; work rotating shifts in
extreme weather conditions; work around extreme noise and
mechanical, electrical and chemical hazards and other
conditions which maybe adverse. Ability to lift 50 lbs.,
understand and follow oral and written instructions;
withstand constant vibrations from equipment; climb in and
out of trenches; maneuver in uneven and rough terrain. Valid
operators license with a good driving record required.
Contact me if you have
interest in this position.
Ms. Hope Lawrence
Human Resources
City of San Angelo
Telephone: (325) 657-4221
Fax: (325) 657-4530
Email:
hope.lawrence@sanangelotexas.us
Web site:
http://www.sanangelotexas.us/
The Job Fair:
A free
service of Water and Wastewater.com. You can post job
opening for managers, engineers, sales, reps or other
talented people you need. ...Or one can post their resume
for companies who are looking to add talented people to
their staff.
Do you have a position
you need to fill? Visit the Job
Fair. |
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| About Us :
Water and Wastewater Newsletter
© 1999-2007 Water and Wastewater.com
Home page: http://www.waterandwastewater.com
Joseph Taylor, Editor
Water and Wastewater Newsletter
3948 South Third Street, No. 121
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-280-4656
Fax: 904-273-1399
Email: jtaylor@waterandwastewater.com
Water and Wastewater
Newsletter is a 100% opt-in e-mail list of information for
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you have company news, a new product, new service or other
information you would like to share with our subscribers?
Please submit articles via e-mail, only to: news@waterandwastewater.com |
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::
Wastewater Study Reveals
Municipal Drug Use Patterns
::
2007 NGWA Ground Water Expo
and Meeting
::
New Puron MBR Submerged Module
::
Famed Photographer to Speak
at WEFTEC.07
:: The News Center : More headlines
:: The Water and Wastewater Blog
:: Video Center
:: Help Forum
::
Water and Wastewater Plant
Directory : Featured Plant
:: The Job Fair
:: Top Picks at Amazon.com
:: Ask Tom! Column!
:: 226,000+ visitors in July !
:: Call For Photographs!
:: Subscribe, Unsubscribe
:: Archive Information
:: About Us
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| Hi Everyone,
We have 5 books to give away!
"Blogging for Books" contest is
still on!
If you would like to win, please email our blog
moderator, Don
Dunnington, for details on how to enter.
With over 9,500+ subscribers,
our goal is to provide information
to improve your business by using the resources available on the
Internet.
Thanks,
Joe Taylor, Editor
jtaylor@waterandwastewater.com
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| Call For
Photographs
This week's
photo is of the Rothsay Dundas WWTP Plant owned by Maple
Leaf Foods. We are asking all our visitors to add their
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Directory.
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