Chemicals in wastewater and socioeconomic status

Using wastewater, a study examines the relationship between socioeconomic factors and biomarkers of food and drug consumption. Chemicals in wastewater can provide clues to the behavior and health status of a population, and this method has been used primarily to estimate drug consumption. Phil. M. Choi and colleagues collected wastewater samples from treatment plants in 6 Australian states and territories for 7 consecutive days in 2016 and analyzed the samples for diet, drug, pharmaceutical, and lifestyle biomarkers. The samples were derived from 21.1% of the population of Australia. Vitamin B and caffeine biomarkers were correlated positively with individuals who are socioeconomically advantaged and paying more than $470 AUD a week in rent. Alcohol consumption was also higher in high-rent areas than in low-rent areas. Citrus and dietary fiber consumption was lower among individuals who did not finish high school or whose highest education was vocational training, compared with individuals in managerial positions or attending college. The pharmaceuticals atenolol, pregabalin, and tramadol were correlated positively with low socioeconomic status. Most antidepressants and opioids were correlated positively with individuals with low socioeconomic status. Atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide were correlated positively with median age. Antibiotic and artificial sweetener use was largely uniform among different socioeconomic groups. The results suggest that education and occupation may influence diet disparity, according to the authors.

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Article #19-10242: “Social, demographic, and economic correlates of food and chemical consumption measured by wastewater-based epidemiology,” by Phil. M. Choi et al.

MEDIA CONTACT: Phil. M. Choi, University of Queensland, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA; tel: +61-468-457-772; email:

[email protected]

; Jake W. O’Brien, University of Queensland, Brisbane, AUSTRALIA; email:

[email protected]