If you just delete the world.x1 file from the save game folder, the game will replace it for you the next time the save is loaded.
As you found, the world files keep track of items directly on the ground.
I have no idea why this file keeps getting corrupt. Several people have run into this, but I don't recall it happening repeatedly before.
This problem should not break any quests (other than re-sealing quest opened locations and destroying quest items left on the ground, but there are work arounds for both of these). Once you undergo the blessing ritual, this file should not have any effect on the game.
