Analyzing Opioid Use and Disposal in Washington State Through Wastewater-Based-Epidemology

Authors

Diana Tran, University of Puget SoundFollow
Dan Burgard, University of Puget Sound

Faculty Advisor

Burgard, Dan

Area of Study

Science and Mathematics

Publication Date

Summer 2021

Abstract

In 2018, Washington passed the first state-wide drug Take-Back program, its goal was to give residents a safer way to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs and protect the environment. This study proposes to use Wastewater-Based-Epidemiology (WBE) to measure the effectiveness of this program. Hydrocodone is a common compound found in painkillers and will be used as the model drug to evaluate the effectiveness of the Take-Back program. Hydrocodone and its metabolite, nor-hydrocodone, will be quantified in wastewater and trends in the ratio of these two compounds will potentially be an effective indicator of success of the program.

Award

Clare Boothe Luce

Recommended Citation

Tran, Diana and Burgard, Dan, "Analyzing Opioid Use and Disposal in Washington State Through Wastewater-Based-Epidemology" (2021). Summer Research. 424.
https://soundideas.pugetsound.edu/summer_research/424

Rights

Default Rights Statement.

Publisher

University of Puget Sound