ABSTRACT
As a result of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, water bodies connected to anthropogenic activities may likely reveal the presence of viral genetic material. Urban, periurban and rural water bodies in and around Hyderabad, Telangana, India, were monitored for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments during the first and second wave of COVID-19 infection. The SARS-CoV-2 genes were not detected in peri-urban and rural lakes, whereas urban lakes having direct functional attributes from domestic activity showed prevalence. Distinct variability in viral load observed among five water bodies was in concordance with human activity in the catchment area. High viral load was observed during the peaks of the first and second waves, specifically in urban lakes. [ FROM AUTHOR]