Research by Exeter University has found that common pharmaceutical drugs which find their way into the environment have a 'significant' effect on plant growth.
The study, also involving Plymouth University, found that ibruprofen was among the medicines which had a noticeable impact on plant development.
The drugs find their way into soil via various routes including the use of sewage sludge for fertiliserk, and waste water for irrigation.
Plymouth night shelter to open all year round
It normally operates during the winter months
Exeter traffic scheme axe meeting postponed
Eight out of 10 people say they don't want it
Three jailed for vicious attack on former friend
Victim is learning to walk again
Holiday homes could close primary school
Pupil numbers plummet in Kingswear
'Enthralling' new Dartmoor discovery
Helicopter could be needed to get burial chamber off the moor
Devoncast - Airshow, Agatha Christie and election round-up
Devoncast returns with the big stories from around the county
