The Hidden Neurotoxins: Evaluating Mental Health Risks in Odisha’s Industrial Corridor

Abstract

The iron and steel industry releases water pollutants that pose serious neurotoxic risks to human health. These pollutants disrupt how the gut and brain communicate. Researchers collected water samples from industrial and nearby areas in Rourkela, Odisha, to examine the neurotoxic pollutants and their effects on mental health. Our research team found heavy metals and neurotoxic organic compounds in industrial wastewater, Brahmani River water, and drinking water used by workers. We used methods such as ATR- FTIR, Headspace GCMS, and ICP-OES for testing. The physicochemical analysis revealed severe environmental contamination. BOD, COD, TSS and DO values were higher than the limit, indicating the presence of significant organic pollution and an ineffective treatment system. These pollutants cause gut imbalance, damage the intestinal barrier, and trigger inflammation, which increases neurotoxicity through the gut-brain connection. Workers and local populations face a higher risk of cognitive decline, behavioral issues, and neurodegenerative diseases from prolonged exposure. The findings clearly link industrial pollutants to negative effects such as oxidative stress from cadmium and central nervous system depression due to organic compounds, leading to mental health issues. This highlights the urgent need for improved wastewater treatment, regulation, and biomonitoring of gut-brain axis biomarkers. The results provide strong evidence for creating targeted interventions to reduce neurotoxic risks in industrial environments.