This podcast episode is the third of the season focusing on community-based solutions for substance use challenges; it discusses how a team at University of Kentucky’s Institute of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy tracks community drug use through wastewater analysis.
In this Just Science podcast episode, the host, Dr. Lawrence Mullen, discusses the tracking of drugs through wastewater analysis. Podcast guest, Dr. Chris Delcher, an epidemiologist by training, describes his background and what led to his current involvement in wastewater epidemiology and analyzing trends in stimulant use. He provides some background into what wastewater epidemiology is, elaborating its importance in the surveillance of drug overdose and misuse, and some of the challenges with wastewater epidemiology. Dr. Delcher also discusses factors that influence wastewater epidemiology, including weather and the elements, and how they impact sample results. The podcasters also talk about how the study of wastewater can contribute to a community’s approach to the overdose epidemic as well as the approach to other newly developed drugs. Dr. Delcher next discusses his current research study design, and the outcome measures he and his team are looking for, research findings, and the kinds of collaborations that are needed for success. He also provides some advice for other organizations who may be interested in implementing wastewater epidemiology.