Monitored Occurrence of Cannabinoids in Wastewater Samples
Abigail Castellanos
Co-Presenters: Ava La Lande
College: The Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology
Major: Chemistry
Faculty Research Mentor: Mingjing Sun
Abstract:
Cannabis is one of the most commonly abused illicit drugs in the United States, influencing various physiological processes in users. Despite its legalization for medical and recreational use, states like New Jersey continue to face challenges in regulating cannabinoid consumption. After cannabis consumption, cannabinoids are excreted and enter the wastewater system, but the extent of their presence and usage patterns remains uncertain. Monitoring the occurrence of cannabinoids in wastewater can help better understand consumption trends and usage patterns, providing valuable insights for regulation and public health.This study aims to develop a sensitive and reliable High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method to separate and analyze 20 common cannabinoids in wastewater. This technique integrates two key processes: the physical separation of sample components and the mass analysis of targeted compounds. By quantifying cannabinoids in wastewater, this research provides insight into cannabis consumption trends and its subsequent release into the environment, offering valuable data for regulatory and public health considerations.