Surveillance of Phenibut in Wastewater During a Brazilian Carnival.

ABSTRACT: Phenibut is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) first synthesized in Russia in 1963 as a derivative of gamma-aminobutyric acid. Originally developed for therapeutic use, it has gained popularity for nonmedical purposes, including recreational and cognitive enhancement. In Brazil, phenibut is uncontrolled and easily purchased online. This study used wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to investigate phenibut use patterns in two northeastern Brazilian cities. Composite daily wastewater samples were collected from two treatment plants (WWTPs), Recife (WWTP_A) and Olinda (WWTP_B), during two periods in 2023: Carnival and a reference week. Samples underwent solid-phase extraction (SPE) and analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Phenibut concent

SUBMITTER: Gomes BRS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12861594 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature