Introduction to Wastewater-Based Epidemiology Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a powerful, non-invasive tool for monitoring community-level drug use. By analyzing the chemical signatures in wastewater, public health authorities can estimate drug consumption patterns in real time. The technique relies on the detection of specific drug metabolites that are excreted in urine and survive the

Sources of Flame Retardant Contamination Flame retardants are chemicals added to consumer products to reduce flammability. Common classes include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), and organophosphate esters (OPEs). These additives are not chemically bound to polymers, allowing them to leach into indoor environments over time. Sources include electronics, furniture foam, textiles, building insulation, and

Introduction Phenolic acids are a class of secondary metabolites widely distributed in soil, originating from plant root exudates, microbial decomposition of organic matter, and degradation of agrochemicals. These compounds play critical roles in soil ecology, including allelopathic interactions, nutrient cycling, and influencing microbial community structure. Accurate quantification of phenolic acids in soil is essential for