Forensic Analysis of Drugs of Abuse

The detection of new, rapidly evolving illicit drugs presents a unique challenge for laboratory analysts and public health officials. This project will explore wastewater as a means of detecting drugs of abuse to provide a more complete picture of their role in community drug use.

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. 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.

Department Information: https://www.strath.ac.uk/research/subjects/chemistry/centreforforensicscience/

The Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde is a vibrant and ambitious department with a strong international reputation for excellence in research and teaching and a growing knowledge exchange portfolio. The Centre for Forensic Science is internationally recognised as a centre of excellence in forensic science research and practice.

The University of Strathclyde is a socially progressive institution that strives to ensure equality of opportunity and celebrates the diversity of its student and staff community. Strathclyde is people-oriented and collaborative, offering a supportive and flexible working culture with a deep commitment to our equality, diversity and inclusion charters, initiatives, groups and networks. 

Requirements:

Applicants should have a minimum of an upper second-class UK Honours degree or overseas equivalent in a strongly related discipline. If English is not your first language, you must also have an IELTS score of at least 6.5 with no component below 5.5.