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The Kean Review: Journal in Student Research

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Document Type

Research Article and Study

Abstract

The goal of this research was to establish a reliable method to detect the presence of cannabinoids in wastewater and increase the sensitivity of detection. Since the legalization of cannabis in many states, toxicology research has expanded on methods of detection in hopes of identifying usage patterns. At the Joint Meeting of Essex and Union Counties, it was established that cannabinoids are not thoroughly accounted for in the process of filtering wastewater in addition to our limited understanding of consumption trends. This stands true for many wastewater facilities, especially as the intake of cannabis remains prevalent for various populations across the United States for recreational and pharmaceutical purposes.

Both influent and effluent samples were collected to begin developing a method using LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry), in which twenty-four cannabinoid species were isolated, identified, and quantified. The lowest concentration that was detected with this method is lower than 0.1 ng/mL, demonstrating how highly sensitive and specific this system is for targeted analytes. Analyzing the presence of cannabinoids with a reliable method is essential for the health of the environment and the community setting a strong foundation to approach quantifying usage patterns and the impact of their occurrence in our waters.

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