Illicit drugs are an emerging class of environmental contaminants and mass spectrometry is the technique of choice for their analysis. This landmark reference discusses the analytical techniques used to detect illicit drugs in wastewater and surface water, details how to estimate the levels of contaminants in the environment, and explores the behavior, fate, and toxic effects of this new class of contaminants, now a ubiquitous presence in wastewater and surface water. The book details how an estimate of illicit drug consumption in a given population can be developed from an analysis of the residues of illicit drugs in wastewater. An important resource for analytical chemists, environmental researchers, forensic scientists, biologists, and toxicologists.

Clandestine drug laboratories are used in the illicit production of illegal drugs, most often methamphetamine, but also other types of illegal drugs. The Department of Justice (DOJ) Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office Methamphetamine Initiative provides grant funding to state, local, Tribal, and other public (not Federal) law enforcement entities (referred to throughout this document as “state and local law enforcement agencies) for their methamphetamine initiatives. The state and local law enforcement agencies receive grant funding to purchase equipment, administer training, and fund law enforcement and technical and administrative personnel to investigate and identify the locations of clandestine drug laboratories and conduct law enforcement actions to apprehend suspects and remove illegal drugs and other evidence. Grant-funded personnel may include, but are not limited to, sworn law enforcement personnel, analytical laboratory chemists, computer programmers, analysts, administrative staff, and specialized staff to administer specific methamphetamine initiatives, including but not limited to Drug Endangered Children and Small Rural Community programs. The DOJ COPS Office may also provide supplemental grants to previously funded agencies under the supplemental funding program. Grant-funded equipment may include, but is not limited to, vehicles; surveillance equipment; health and safety equipment including personal protective equipment, environmental monitoring equipment, personnel decontamination equipment, and chemical analytical laboratory equipment and supplies, computer equipment (hardware and software), and office supplies. Grant funding may also be applied to administration of law enforcement, health and safety training, and other training. After law enforcement actions are completed at a clandestine drug laboratory site, the site generally contains hazardous materials that were used in the production of illegal drugs, articles and fixtures that are contaminated with drug residues or hazardous materials, and/or drugs and drug precursors. Illicit production of methamphetamine may involve hazardous materials that are toxic, corrosive, flammable, or explosive. Under the DOJ COPS Methamphetamine Initiative grant award criteria and in accordance with Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations, the grantee becomes the legal “generator” of any hazardous waste that is identified in the conduct of grant-funded activities. Removal of the hazardous wastes from the discovered site therefore becomes the responsibility of the state or local law enforcement agency that discovers the materials. The state or local law enforcement agencies may either perform the removal action themselves using qualified law enforcement personnel or other qualified government personnel (referred to throughout this document as “qualified law enforcement personnel); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hazardous waste management contractors; or other qualified contractors. State and local law enforcement agencies may also use grant funding to pay commercial hazardous waste disposal fees. The entity performing the hazardous waste removal action may package and transport the hazardous waste from the discovered clandestine laboratory to a temporary storage location. They also may repackage the hazardous wastes and/or consolidate the hazardous wastes into larger containers for transport, and then transport the hazardous wastes from the temporary storage unit to a permitted hazardous waste treatment and disposal facility. Under the Proposed Action, any hazardous waste management activity associated with clandestine laboratory seizures may be grant funded including hazardous waste removal, transportation, and storage, and payment of hazardous waste disposal fees. Grantees may theoretically be any non-Federal law enforcement agency.~

A Proactive Approach to Improving and Protecting the Environment The accumulation of pharmaceuticals in the environment is a growing concern, the magnitude of which has not been determined, yet cannot be ignored. Touting the benefits of research and discovery as it relates to a pharmaceutical presence in the environment, Pharmaceutical Accumulation in the Environment: Prevention, Control, Health Effects, and Economic Impact explores ways to effectively minimize the harmful impact of environmental contaminants. It considers current practice in the field, provides a historical reference, and presents effective methods for detecting and containing low levels of environmental contaminants. It also offers practical suggestions for mobilizing private and public resources. Discusses Health Impacts and Risks to Humans and Other Living Species The contributors of this work consider important environmental contaminants that include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and special products, such as contrast agents and illicit drugs. This book describes current health impact concerns, methods for assessing risk, and lessening the negative impact on health through research and analysis. It examines the costs of wastewater treatment, and considers ways to potentially reduce the effect of environmental contaminants in treated water and in the soil. It looks at what may be done about contaminated soil and landfills, addresses the costs of contaminant elimination, and suggests ways to get rid of contaminants sensibly and consistently. It also includes case histories and chapters authored by specialists who are experts in their fields. Developed as a reference for professionals and senior undergraduate and graduate students in environmental science/ecotoxicology, the text proposes advancements and applications that can help control pharmaceutical accumulation and improve the environment. It serves as a resource for those in the pharmaceutical industries, personal care product industries, and related areas; scientists and researchers in related areas; as well as environmental protection agencies, physicians, and medical personnel.