-PROF JACOB
ALIYU, Ibrahim Jidda.
A Professor of Chemistry in the Federal University of Technology, Minna has stated that there are generally no critical contamination of heavy metal concentration in most of the vegetables sold in major markets in Minna metropolis.
Professor John Olusanya Jacob of the Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Minna made the observation as he delivered the 86th Inaugural Lecture of the University titled ” Environmental pollution Monitoring: My Unique Contribution”, on Wednesday, 27th July, 2021 at the University Auditorium, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.
Professor Jacob whose research work centred on the “Analytical Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations of Common Vegetables Sold in Major Markets in Minna City” established that there were generally no critical contaminations of the vegetables by the studied metals as the levels of concentration where generally below established permissible limits recommended by both WHO and FOA.
He, however observed that lead (pb) and cromium (Cr) were generally higher. whereas lead (pb) is generally poisonous and its accumulation in food crops could be detrimental to the consumers of such crops.
Some of the research through which the Professor made unique contributions are: Monitoring of Heavy Metal in Air, Monitoring Atmospheric Heavy Metal Deposition in Abuja Municipality Using an Epiphytic Moss Polytricum Formosum and Determination of heavy Metal Concentration in some Fresh Water Fishes of Niger State.
Others are: Monitoring of heavy metal bioaccumulation in soil, spinach, jute mallow and tomato in Farms and gardens within Kaduna metropolis and the determination of heavy metals concentrations in soils and vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Chanchaga Area of Minna.
While pointing out the negative effects of heavy metal concentration on the food and environments of the areas studied, the don recommended measures to Environmental Pollution Monitoring,just as he called for proper regulation, monitoring and effective control of illegal mining, industrial and general human activities.
On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Abdullahi Bala, fsssn, appreciated the presenter for adding to the profile of his Department and went further to express his gratitude to the invited guests who graced the occasion.
The climax of the occasion was The presentation of awards to the Inaugural lecturer by the University management as well as his Department and tribal association.
Photos: Elijah Yisa