Ketamine, a new (or old) kid on the block: A comprehensive three-year spatio-temporal study in Belgium through wastewater-based epidemiology.
Water research May 15, 2025 Natan Van Wichelen, Tim Boogaerts, Maarten Quireyns et al. 4 citations
Ketamine use is widespread across northern Belgium, with consumption levels 7 to 11 times higher in 2023 than in 2012. Analysis of wastewater from 26 locations in Flanders and Brussels detected ketamine in 98% of samples, its metabolite norketamine in 96%, and dehydronorketamine in 76%. Higher population-normalized mass loads appeared in major cities and eastern Flanders. Weekend consumption increased, suggesting recreational use, while no seasonal trends were observed. By examining the ratio of ketamine to norketamine, researchers distinguished actual consumption from direct disposal. The findings indicate a stable, year-round pattern of ketamine use, and future monitoring should measure both parent drug and metabolite to avoid misinterpreting dumping events.