Assessing the impact and mechanisms of environmental pollutants (heavy metals and pesticides) on the male reproductive system: a comprehensive review.

The escalation of technological advancements, coupled with the increased use of hazardous chemicals, has emerged as a significant concern for human health. Exposure to environmental pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides (insecticides, herbicides and fungicides) is known to significantly contribute to various health problems, particularly affecting reproductive health. Disturbances in reproductive potential and reproductive toxicity in males are particularly worrisome. Existing literature suggests that exposure to these environmental pollutants significantly alters male reproductive parameters. Thus, it is imperative to thoroughly analyze, comprehend, and evaluate their impact on male reproductive toxicity. Oxidative stress and disruptions in redox equilibrium are major factors through which these pollutants induce changes in sperm parameters and affect the reproductive system. Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides act as endocrine disruptors, interfering with the secretion and function of reproductive hormones such as testosterone and luteinizing hormone (LH), consequently impacting spermatogenesis. Additionally, heavy metals are reported to bio-accumulate in reproductive organs, acting as endocrine disruptors and triggering oxidative stress. The co-operative association of these pollutants can lead to severe damage. In this comprehensive review, we have conducted an in-depth analysis of the impact of these environmental pollutants on the male reproductive system, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms of action.

Emerging pollutants in etiology and pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multifactorial endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-aged women worldwide. Although genetic and lifestyle factors have been implicated in its etiology, emerging evidence suggests that exposure to environmental pollutants may also contribute significantly to the development and pathophysiology of PCOS. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential role of emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and nanoparticles, in PCOS development. The article summarizes the current understanding of PCOS pathogenesis and its clinical manifestations. Subsequently, it delves into the mechanisms of action of the emerging pollutants, exploring how they may disrupt the endocrine system, interfere with hormonal regulation, and contribute to the manifestation of PCOS symptoms. Moreover, the potential for cumulative effects and synergistic interactions between these pollutants demands a cautious approach when considering their role in PCOS etiology.

Understanding the hydrochemical functioning of glacierized catchments of the Upper Indus Basin in Ladakh, Indian Himalayas.

Recent studies have endorsed that surface water chemical composition in the Himalayas is impacted by climate change-induced accelerated melting of glaciers. Chemical weathering dynamics in the Ladakh region is poorly understood, due to unavailability of in situ dataset. The aim of the present study is to investigate how the two distinct catchments (Lato and Stok) drive the meltwater chemistry of the Indus River and its tributary, in the Western Himalayas. Water samples were collected from two glaciated catchments (Lato and Stok), Chabe Nama (tributary) and the Indus River in Ladakh. The mildly alkaline pH (range 7.3-8.5) and fluctuating ionic trend of the meltwater samples reflected the distinct geology and weathering patterns of the Upper Indus Basin (UIB). Gibbs plot and mixing diagram revealed rock weathering outweighed evaporation and precipitation. The strong associations between Ca2+-HCO3-, Mg2+-HCO3-, Ca2+-Mg2+, Na+-HCO3-, and Mg2+-Na+ demonstrated carbonate rock weathering contributed to the major ion influx. Principal component analysis (PCA) marked carbonate and silicates as the most abundant minerals respectively. Chemical weathering patterns were predominantly controlled by percentage of glacierized area and basin runoff. Thus, Lato with the larger glacierized area (~ 25%) and higher runoff contributed low TDS, HCO3-, Ca2+, and Na+ and exhibited higher chemical weathering, whereas lower chemical weathering was evinced at Stok with the smaller glacierized area (~ 5%). In contrast, the carbonate weathering rate (CWR) of larger glacierized catchments (Lato) exhibits higher average value of 15.7 t/km2/year as compared to smaller glacierized catchment (Stok) with lower average value 6.69 t/km2/year. However, CWR is high in both the catchments compared to silicate weathering rate (SWR). For the first time, in situ datasets for stream water chemical characteristics have been generated for Lato and Stok glaciated catchments in Ladakh, to facilitate healthy ecosystems and livelihoods in the UIB.

Impact of River fluvial processes on arsenic enrichment in Mid Gangetic Plains: The coining of arsenic confirming pollution markers.

The present study traces the geochemical occurrence of arsenic and heavy metals along the active oxbow formations of river Ganga in MGP. A total of 31 groundwater samples were collected, specifically in close proximity to the river profile section, to understand the high spatial enrichment pattern of arsenic. The bivariate plots reveal strong influence of silicate weathering and anthropogenic leaching of fertilizers occurring concurrently with pyrite oxidation, leading to high arsenic vulnerability. The bicarbonate enrichment plays a major role in the replacement of adsorbed arsenic while most of the carbonate minerals remain in a state of oversaturation, causing their ultimate precipitation. The steep changes in river directional profile as evident through the high bulk density of the soil (1587 kg/m3) near the oxbow formations of the river has caused high sediment deposition which is coherent with the spatial distribution of soil organic carbon stock (8-33 tons/hectare). Further, high concentration of arsenic (~100 ppb) traces the high availability of the clay content (18-40 %) and moderate iron concentration of the soil confirming the role of river led recharge in promoting oxidizing conditions. Low cation exchange capacity (9-52 mmol. c.kg-1), indicative of illite as the dominant clay mineral, further supports our concern for groundwater vulnerability in terms of enhanced cation retention in the soil. Our study is a pioneering work in understanding arsenic spatial vulnerability under fluvial forcing through developing indicators which trace the arsenic mobilizing chemistry in a more coherent and direct ways.

Anthropogenic dominance on geogenic arsenic problem of the groundwater in the Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplain: A paradox of origin and mobilization.

The Ganga-Brahmaputra floodplains constitute a complex system that is vulnerable to arsenic recycling owing to its geomorphic sensitivity, aquifer profiles, high meandering scars and extreme sediment deposition, along with extreme monsoonal disturbances; and are subjected to significant alterations in arsenic recycling. We have put an effort to delineate the similarities and dissimilarities pertaining to the arsenic prevalence, origin and mobilization in the two hotspots, namely the Mid-Gangetic Floodplains (MGFP) and the Brahmaputra Floodplains (BFP). Pertaining to this, we collected 384 representative water samples for hydrogeochemical investigations, multivariate analyses, and saturation status based predictive modelling, with BFP having a maximum concentration of arsenic (As) reaching to almost 97.9 µgL-1 and MGFP having a maximum concentration of 50.1 µgL-1. Seasonality impelled changes and conforming riverine recharges are leading major ionic differentiations in both the floodplains across seasons. Meandering and aquifer dynamics control As prevalence in the MGFP and BFP, respectively. Non-interdependent HCO3- recharge mediated As-recycling was found in the BFP. Carbonate weathering is dominant in the MGFP, while both carbonate and silicate weathering take precedence in the BFP. Multivariate analysis hints at fertilizer influence on As mobilization in the MGFP. Reductive hydrolysis of Fe-OOH mediated As-release is more prominent in the BFP. Seasonal arsenic fluctuations are going to have more climatic dependency in near future owing to the increasing erratic rains, pumping and recharge events. Erratic precipitation will provoke immediate response in both floodplains in terms of As mobilization which urgently needs attention to counter increasing arsenic vulnerability.

Mega festivals like MahaKumbh, a largest mass congregation, facilitated the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to humans and endangered animals via contaminated water.

Our surrounding environment has been influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic situation. The second wave of COVID-19 in India has proven to be more devastating and aggressive than the first wave of the pandemic, which led to recognizing India as one of the world's topmost worst-hit nations considering >4000 fatalities reported in a single day in May 2021. Such "resurgence and acceleration" of COVID-19 transmission has been fuelled by the MahaKumbh festival and political mass gathering (elections rallies) events, where the COVID-19 protocols have been ignored by millions of pilgrims/followers. The present review discusses only the consequences of this year's MahaKumbh festivals, the largest religious mass gathering on earth, which was held during the COVID-19 pandemic in India, and its impact on both the spread of SARS-CoV-2 among participants and their families and its influence on the quality of the river Ganga. This article tries to give readers outside of India an overview of how much impact of any such single large gathering of any relgion in any part of the world can drive coronavirus infections and effectively commence the second/third wave outbreak with this case study. Furthermore, the religious large scale celebration are widely accepted through out the world that have played a significant role in the spread of the pandemic into remote villages and towns all over the subcontinent/world, thus affecting many areas with insufficient healthcare facilities that have been relatively spared. This review also highlights the potential risk of transmission from infected humans into the aquatic environment of the river Ganga. Besides the obvious relevance of SARS-CoV-2, a large variety of other water-related disease vectors (bacteria, viruses, and protozoa) stemming from visitors to the religious congregation were introduced into the upstream regions of the Ganga river. Their sheer number is assumed to have had a severe influence on its delicate ecosystem, including endangered mammals such as the river Dolphins. The detailed epidemiological and clinical study on transmission routes of SARS-CoV-2 is the need of the hour to understand the pathogenesis of RNA virus infection and prevent the massive spreading of such infectious respiratory diseases. An interdisciplinary approach, rooted in evidence-based efficient learning, contextual strategies, and a streamlined unified approach should be adopted to help in the development of a proactive prevention model during future MahaKumbh festival (and similar religious gatherings) instead of just "picking up the pieces" in a conventional post-event model.

Unravelling the early warning capability of wastewater surveillance for COVID-19: A temporal study on SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection and need for the escalation.

Wastewater-based Epidemiological (WBE) surveillance offers a promising approach to assess the pandemic situation covering pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic cases in highly populated area under limited clinical tests. In the present study, we analyzed SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the influent wastewater samples (n = 43) from four wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Gandhinagar, India, during August 7th to September 30th, 2020. A total of 40 samples out of 43 were found positive i.e. having at least two genes of SARS-CoV-2. The average Ct values for S, N, and ORF 1 ab genes were 32.66, 33.03, and 33.95, respectively. Monthly variation depicted a substantial rise in the average copies of N (~120%) and ORF 1 ab (~38%) genes in the month of September as compared to August, while S-gene copies declined by 58% in September 2020. The SARS-CoV-2 genome concentration was higher in the month of September (~924.5 copies/L) than August (~897.5 copies/L), corresponding to a ~2.2-fold rise in the number of confirmed cases during the study period. Further, the percentage change in genome concentration level on a particular date was found in the lead of 1-2 weeks of time with respect to the official confirmed cases registered based on clinical tests on a temporal scale. The results profoundly unravel the potential of WBE surveillance to predict the fluctuation of COVID-19 cases to provide an early warning. Our study explicitly suggests that it is the need of hour that the wastewater surveillance must be included as an integral part of COVID-19 pandemic monitoring which can not only help the water authorities to identify the hotspots within a city but can provide up to 2 weeks of time lead for better tuning the management interventions.

Decay of SARS-CoV-2 RNA along the wastewater treatment outfitted with Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) system evaluated through two sample concentration techniques.

For the first time, we present, i) an account of decay in the genetic material loading of SARS-CoV-2 during Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) treatment of wastewater, and ii) comparative evaluation of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and ultrafiltration as virus concentration methods from wastewater for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 genes. The objectives were achieved through tracking of SARS-CoV-2 genetic loadings i.e. ORF1ab, N and S protein genes on 8th and 27th May 2020 along the wastewater treatment plant (106000 m3 million liters per day) equipped with UASB system in Ahmedabad, India. PEG method performed better in removing materials inhibiting RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 gene detection from the samples, as evident from constant and lower CT values of control (MS2). Using the PEG method, we found a reduction >1.3 log10 reduction in SARS-CoV-2 RNA abundance during UASB treatment, and the RNA was not detected at all in the final effluent. The study implies that i) conventional wastewater treatment systems is effective in SARS-CoV-2 RNA removal, and ii) UASB system significantly reduces SARS-CoV-2 genetic loadings. Finally, PEG method is recommended for better sensitivity and inhibition removal during SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantification in wastewater.

Reflections of COVID-19 cases in the wastewater loading of SARS-CoV-2 RNA: A case of three major cities of Gujarat, India.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) is a promising approach to understand the actual prevalence of COVID-19 disease at the community level. Different studies have cited the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater samples. In the present study, eighteen influent wastewater samples from different sewage treatment plants and pumping stations (5 samples from Vadodara city, 4 from Gandhinagar, and 9 from Ahmedabad city) were collected and analyzed for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in Gujarat state, India. The results showed the highest SARS-CoV-2 effective gene concentration in Vadodara (3078 copies/L), followed by Ahmedabad (2968 copies/L) and Gandhinagar (354 copies/L). On comparing the virus gene concentration in wastewater samples, the SARS-CoV-2 genetic material exhibited a positive relationship with the number of confirmed and active cases in in all three cities. However, a minor variation in SARS-CoV-2 effective gene concentration was seen between Vadodara and Ahmedabad despite a >2.5 and >1.5 folds differences in the cumulative number of confirmed and active cases, respectively. This may occur primarily due to the greater test positivity ratio in Vadodara (3.30%) than Ahmedabad (1.40%) and might be the higher number of asymptomatic patients in Vadodara. The study confirms the potential of the WBE that can be used at a large scale around the globe for better dealing with the pandemic situation.

First proof of the capability of wastewater surveillance for COVID-19 in India through detection of genetic material of SARS-CoV-2.

We made the first ever successful effort in India to detect the genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 viruses to understand the capability and application of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) surveillance in India. Sampling was carried out on 8 and 27 May 2020 at the Old Pirana Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) at Ahmedabad, Gujarat that receives effluent from Civil Hospital treating COVID-19 patients. All three, i.e. ORF1ab, N and S genes of SARS-CoV-2, were found in the influent with no genes detected in effluent collected on 8 and 27 May 2020. Increase in SARS-CoV-2 genetic loading in the wastewater between 8 and 27 May 2020 samples concurred with corresponding increase in the number of active COVID-19 patients in the city. The number of gene copies was comparable to that reported in untreated wastewaters of Australia, China and Turkey and lower than that of the USA, France and Spain. However, temporal changes in SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations need to be substantiated further from the perspectives of daily and short-term changes of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater through long-term monitoring. The study results SARS-CoV-2 will assist concerned authorities and policymakers to formulate and/or upgrade COVID-19 surveillance to have a more explicit picture of the pandemic curve. While infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 through the excreted viral genetic material in the aquatic environment is still being debated, the presence and detection of genes in wastewater systems makes a strong case for the environmental surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Scenario, perspectives and mechanism of arsenic and fluoride Co-occurrence in the groundwater: A review.

Arsenic (As) and fluoride (F-) are the two most conspicuous contaminants, in terms of distribution and menace, in aquifers around the world. While the majority of studies focus on the individual accounts of their hydro-geochemistry, the current work is an effort to bring together the past and contemporary works on As and F- co-occurrence. Co-occurrence in the context of As and F- is a broad umbrella term and necessarily does not imply a positive correlation between the two contaminants. In arid oxidized aquifers, healthy relationships between As and F- is reported owing desorption based release from the positively charged (hydr)oxides of metals like iron (Fe) under alkaline pH. In many instances, multiple pathways of release led to little or no correlation between the two, yet there were high concentrations of both at the same time. The key influencer of the strength of the co-occurrence is seasonality, environment, and climatic conditions. Besides, the existing primary ion and dissolved organic matter also affect the release and enrichment of As-F- in the aquifer system. Anthropogenic forcing in the form of mining, irrigation return flow, extraction, recharge, and agrochemicals remains the most significant contributing factor in the co-occurrence. The epidemiological indicate that the interface of these two interacting elements concerning public health is considerably complicated and can be affected by some uncertain factors. The existing explanations of interactions between As-F are indecisive, especially their antagonistic interactions that need further investigation. "Multi-contamination perspectives of groundwater" is an essential consideration for the overarching question of freshwater sustainability.

Frontier review on the propensity and repercussion of SARS-CoV-2 migration to aquatic environment.

Increased concern has recently emerged pertaining to the occurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in aquatic environment during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. While infectious SARS-CoV-2 has yet to be identified in the aquatic environment, the virus potentially enters the wastewater stream from patient excretions and a precautionary approach dictates evaluating transmission pathways to ensure public health and safety. Although enveloped viruses have presumed low persistence in water and are generally susceptible to inactivation by environmental stressors, previously identified enveloped viruses persist in the aqueous environment from days to several weeks. Our analysis suggests that not only the surface water, but also groundwater, represent SARS-CoV-2 control points through possible leaching and infiltrations of effluents from health care facilities, sewage, and drainage water. Most fecally transmitted viruses are highly persistent in the aquatic environment, and therefore, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in water is essential to inform its fate in water, wastewater and groundwater and subsequent human exposure.

Multilayer arsenic mobilization and multimetal co-enrichment in the alluvium (Brahmaputra) plains of India: A tale of redox domination along the depth.

The study attempts to understand arsenic (As) mobilization in a shallow aquifer with depth variation while focusing on the potential co-occurrence of As with priority metals (zinc and lead), using a pilot scale multilevel groundwater monitoring system (MGWS). Groundwater samples (n = 72) were collected bi-weekly (every 15 days) from the multilevel sampler (4.6, 9.2 and 13.8 m depths), installed at Tezpur, Sonitpur district of Brahmaputra floodplain (BFP), Assam, India, for a period of 1 year (August 2013-July 2014). Both geogenic and anthropogenic influences were found to affect the studied unconfined aquifer. At 4.6 m, weathering dominated due to interaction with CO2 and infiltrating water. Prevalent high pH (7.9-8.6) at all three depths in association with strong oxidizing condition (at 4.6 m) during the drier months seem to play a crucial role in desorption based As release. Multivariate analyses revealed that redox potential (ORP) remains the primary controller of As release at all three depths. With depth, stronger anoxic conditions resulted in the dominance of reductive hydrolysis leading to a co-occurrence scenario of As (max 4.6 µgL-1) with Zn (max 2514 µgL-1) and Pb (max 740 µL-1) with influences of anthropogenic modes of activities like agriculture and dry deposition from a brick kiln. Multi-element enrichment is an emerging concern but the bigger picture would be to understand the peculiarities of individual aquifers, as a generalization can lead to missing a ton of information. In this regard, long-term multilevel monitoring can help in the predictive understanding of the vertical stratification and co-occurrences of multi-metals that can subsequently be applied for water production at the safer depths.

Hydrogeochemical controls on mobilization of arsenic and associated health risk in Nagaon district of the central Brahmaputra Plain, India.

In recent years, elevated concentration of arsenic (As) in groundwater in the northeastern states of India has become a major cause of concern. Since many regions of the Brahmaputra plains are reported with groundwater As contamination, an attempt was made to study the As contamination and factors governing its release in the Nagaon district in Brahmaputra floodplain, based on various water types, relation of As with other major ions and with various depth profiles. The origin of groundwater mineralization and the processes responsible for As enrichment in groundwater was determined by calculating saturation index using PHREEQC code. Multivariate statistical analysis was carried out for identification of As-releasing mechanism based on rock-water interaction. Principle component analysis of physicochemical parameters revealed the association of As with SiO2 and Cl- in pre-monsoon and the fact that alkaline condition favors release of As. The relation between As and Fe shows that reductive dissolution of solid Fe oxide and hydroxide phases could be the source of As in Nagaon district. The result of hierarchical cluster analysis indicates that As release could also be associated with the agrochemicals application. Health risk assessment revealed that children are more susceptible to carcinogenic as well as non-carcinogenic health impact with consumption of As-contaminated drinking water. The male population is more susceptible to cancer as compared to females as the average water consumption is higher in case of male. Overall, the study highlights the health risk assessment is a matter of chief concern in this study as the younger generation are at higher risk.

Hazard remediation and recycling of tea industry and paper mill bottom ash through vermiconversion.

Considerable amount of bottom ash (BA) is produced by tea and paper factories in Northeast India. This significantly deteriorates soil and surface water quality through rapid acidification, releasing sulfur compounds and heavy metals. The present investigation endeavoured to convert this waste to organic manure through vermicomposting by Eisenia fetida. Substantial increment in bioavailability of N, P, K, Fe, Mn and Zn along with remarkable decline in toxic metal like Cr due to vermicomposting was noteworthy. Furthermore, vermicomposted mixtures of Tea Factory BA (TFBA) or Paper Mill BA (PMBA) with organic matter (OM) attributed profuse pod yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Hence, bioconversion of TFBA and PMBA is highly feasible through vermicomposting and the converted materials can be utilized as potential organic fertilizer.