Expert Links Consumption Of Polluted Plants To Cancer, Other Diseases

A Professor of Plant Physiology in the Rivers State University, Emylia Jaja has attributed high incidence of cancer and other diseases to consumption of polluted plants.
Speaking during the 87th inaugural lecture of the university titled, “Plants : Enablers of Sustainability and Growth of Man,” Prof. Jaja disclosed that plants which grow in polluted environments do ingest carcinogenic substances, especially petroleum products.
She explained that hydrocarbons leach into the soil and are ingested by the plants, such that many edible plants are now source of diseases.
Warning of the consequences of planting and eating such crops, the professor stated nutrients in such plants are deleterious to the body, and urged that locals should avoid cultivating edible crops in contaminated farmlands.
In some rare cases, she submitted that research has shown that some of the crops lack adequate nutrients to nourish the body.
Urging farmers to adopt new farming system of hydroponic that utilizes lesser land, Jaja sought for government intervention in boosting crop production.
She also identified many plants as medicinal and good for improving healthcare.
In her view, if government and corporate bodies would sponsor more research, then these medicinal plants would be available to industries to use in the manufacturing of local drugs.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule praised Jaja for her research and lecture.
The vice chancellor assured that the school would ensure that more research is done to improve society and knowledge.