The rising problem of Respirable Particulate Matter i.e. PM2.5 and smaller is catching attention of the policymakers, stakeholders as well as common man. The study of the IndoorPM2.5 of the particular area is very important as it is having direct impact on the human health because PM2.5is absorbed into lung alveolar tissues during breathing and causes respiratory and cardiovascular problems. In present study attempt has been made to assess the status of Indoor PM2.5 in Urban Households of Jammu, (J&K). The average indoor PM2.5 in all the sampled households of Jammu was observed to be 99.49±35.84 µg/m3 which is above the permissible limits of PM 2.5 as prescribed by CPCB. This type of study has been done for the first time in the northern region of India.  The data generated in present study will act as base line data for further studies pertaining to its ionic analysis as well as suggesting mitigation measures

The present study examined the interactive effects of fluoride and phthalates on their uptake, generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of antioxidative defence responses in Spirodela polyrhiza L. Schleiden. A hydroponic study was conducted in which S. polyrhiza cultured in Hoagland’s nutrient medium, was exposed to fluoride (50 ppm) and different concentrations viz., 75, 150 300 ppm of diethyl phthalate (DEP) and diallyl phthalate (DAP) individually as well as in combination for the time period of 24, 72, 120 and 168 h respectively. A significant decline in fresh weight, dry to fresh weight ratio, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content and increased anthocyanin content was observed. Fluoride and phthalates was found to be readily accumulated by S. polyrhiza in all the exposure periods. Interestingly, when binary treatments were given in nutrient medium, uptake of both fluoride and phthalate was found to be influenced by each other. In combined treatments, DEP stimulated fluoride uptake, while its own uptake was restricted by fluoride. In contrary to this, fluoride stimulated DAP uptake. Moreover, combined stress further caused significant decrement in carbohydrate, protein content and increment in MDA levels, phenolic content and electrolyte leakage. Nevertheless, phthalates showed more pronounced oxidative stress and growth inhibition compared to fluoride. To cope up with the oxidative damage, enhanced level of antioxidant enzymatic activities was observed in S. polyrhiza under both fluoride and phthalate stress as compared to control. Scanning electron microscope imaging of leaf stomata revealed that combined stress of fluoride with phthalates caused distortion in the shape of guard cells. Confocal micrographs confirmed the generation of reactive oxygen species, cell damage, disruption in membrane integrity, and enhanced levels of glutathione in plant cells. This study focussed on ecotoxicological and interactive significance of fluoride led phthalate uptake or vice versa which was also assumed to confer tolerance attributes.

Indoor pollution is more harmful as people spend more than 90% of their time indoors getting enhanced chances of penetrating aerosols (PM2.5) deeply into the lungs. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to study seasonal variations of indoor aerosols (PM2.5) in urban households of Jammu(J&K). in the northern region of India. The status of indoor aerosols (PM2.5) and their seasonal variations due to temperature and humidity conditions have been studied for the first time in urban households of Jammu (J&K). The two year study period (2017-2019.) revealed that all types of households of urban areas with non-wood fuel  as well as wood fuel burning practices exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher values of indoor PM 2.5 during summer season (74.36 µg/m3  and 156.46 µg/m3 ) followed by winter season (62.77 µg/m3   and 143.5µg/m3 ) and lower values during the rainy season (58.47 µg/m3 and 132.52 µg/m3 ). All these values were observed to be above the CPCB prescribed annual limit of 40 µg/m3, thereby exposing the residents to diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.  The data generated in the present study will act as baseline data for future studies pertaining to indoor aerosols (PM2.5) as well as suggesting mitigation measures.