Lai, Foon Yin
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
Research article2025Peer reviewedOpen access
Bridging the gap between research and decision making: A European survey to enhance cooperation in wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for illicit drugs
Baz-Lomba, Jose Antonio; van Nuijs, Alexander L. N.; Lenart-Boron, Anna; Peterfi, Anna; de l'Eprevier, Anne; Love, Arndis Sue Ching; Kasprzyk-Hordern, Barbara; Ort, Christoph; Simeoni, Elisabetta; Heath, Ester; Pridotkiene, Evelina; Lai, Foon Yin; Been, Frederic; Oberacher, Herbert; Bodik, Igor; Valencic, Iva; Slobodnik, Jaroslav; Strandberg, Joakim; Sheeran, Kevin; Smit-Rigter, Laura Alexandra;
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Abstract
Objectives: Illicit drug use presents a significant challenge to global health and public safety, requiring innovative and effective monitoring strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the current landscape of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for monitoring illicit drugs in Europe, focusing on collaboration, current practices, and barriers, while identifying opportunities for improvement. Study design: Cross-sectional survey-based study. Methods: Coordinated by the Sewage Analysis CORe Group Europe (SCORE) and the European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA), two surveys were conducted in 2023 targeting researchers and stakeholders using WBE for illicit drugs. Data were analysed to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improving WBE implementation. Results: The findings indicate a robust research infrastructure and diverse analytical methods among European institutions. Two-thirds of the participating countries reported using WBE data to inform policy. However, challenges persist, particularly in securing funding and coordination, as well as generating national estimates from multiple locations and addressing specific local policy needs. Conclusions: WBE has proven to be a valuable tool for monitoring illicit drug trends and informing drug policies. To unlock its full potential, sustained funding, methodological standardization, and enhanced cooperation are essential. This study provides critical insights into the European WBE landscape, offering a roadmap for strengthening the integration of actionable WBE data into public health and policy frameworks.
Keywords
Wastewater-based Epidemiology; Illicit drugs; Public health; New psychoactive substances; Cooperation; Europe; Policy
Published in
Public Health
2025, volume: 241, pages: 158-163
SLU Authors
Bertram, Michael
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Monash University
- Stockholm University
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
UKÄ Subject classification
Epidemiology
Public Health, Global Health and Social Medicine
Publication identifier
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.02.009
Permanent link to this page (URI)
https://res.slu.se/id/publ/140919