Advancing the Analytical Detection and Interpretation of New Psychoactive Substances using Wastewater Based Epidemiology

Advancing the Analytical Detection and Interpretation of New Psychoactive Substances using Wastewater Based Epidemiology

New psychoactive substances (NPS) comprise a diverse group of synthetic and plant derived compounds designed to mimic the effects of traditional illicit drugs. As of 2025, more than 1400 NPS have been reported to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, with 87 now internationally scheduled. Their rapid evolution, coupled with limited toxicological knowledge, creates significant public health risks, including severe toxicity and fatalities. This project advances the analytical detection and interpretation of NPS through wastewater-based epidemiology by developing sensitive, multiclass instrumental methods, assessing compound stability under environmental and experimental conditions, and identifying robust biomarkers that more accurately reflect human consumption. Concurrently, it investigates how regional and international policy changes influence NPS occurrence in wastewater over time. Together, these components provide a comprehensive framework to strengthen surveillance, enhance data interpretation, and support regulatory and public health decision making as a complementary early warning tool.

Please note this is a PhD student Progress Review presentation by Dhayaalini Nadarajan