Low-water quality and non-communicable disease nexus: Health impacts, mechanisms, and advanced water treatment approaches

Water quality is essential to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Low-water quality induced by contamination from natural and anthropogenic activities can lead to NCDs that affect human health . Previous studies have reported several water- and food-borne diseases. However, the direct and indirect relationships between low-water quality and NCDs must be comprehensively summarized. Thus, this review aims to comprehensively summarize the global impact of low-water quality on NCDs, water pollutants and NCDs interconnection, and potential approaches to improve water quality. Heavy metals , persistent organic pollutants , chemicals, and microplastics from agricultural runoff and leachates contaminate the water sources. These contaminants have been reported to enhance endothelial dysfunction , oxidative stress , reactive oxygen species generation, apoptosis , and DNA damage, which are indirectly linked to NCDs. Methods (such as reverse osmosis , coagulation, flocculation , floatation, and sensor monitoring) could improve water quality and prevent NCDs risk. However, prompt preventive measures at domestic, industrial, and governmental levels are required for cost-effective NCDs prevention. Extensive in vitro research, cohort studies , toxicological evaluations, and multidisciplinary cooperation are also needed to clarify the interconnections between water quality and NCDs. • Both natural and anthropogenic activities destroy water quality. • Water contaminants have an indirect effect on four major NCDS. • Oxidative stress, ROS, and endothelial dysfunction involved in disease mechanism. • Physical, chemical, and biological processes decontaminate water and make it safe. • Maintaining water quality monitoring, awareness, and treatment improves human health.