Postgraduate research opportunities Novel Detection of New Psychoactive Substances

New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) encompass a range of synthetic, semi-synthetic, and natural drugs that have emerged over the past decades. Although they are designed to mimic the effects of traditional drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and cannabis, the rapid speed at which NPS are developed and their unknown effects present a significant threat to public health. Detection by traditional clinical and forensic techniques are challenged by these novel compounds, which are often taken in combination and which can yield ambiguous or inconclusive results.

Synthetic depressants, which include clandestinely manufactured benzodiazepines, are frequently consumed for non-medical purposes and represent one class of NPS that warrants particular attention. Speculation on their mechanism of action has been posited in various toxicological studies; however, the picture is clouded and their harms are still largely being discovered, especially in polydrug mixtures. Epidemiological studies have cited benzodiazepines as critical contributors to drug-related deaths, and it is essential that benzodiazepine use can be accurately and rapidly monitored.

This project will measure benzodiazepine levels in wastewater in the UK. The results obtained from these measurements will provide near real-time data and improve the information available on overall community health status. Additional ideas and suggestions as to the project scope are welcome.