Abstract
ABSTRACT. The bioaccumulation of trace metals in mushrooms poses a health risk to consumers. Despite the fact that mushroom eating has been linked to numerous health advantages, little attention has been paid to the relative health risks associated with trace metal build-up in this nutritional source in Nigeria. Pb, Cd, Fe, Hg and As in Pleurotus tuber-regium collected from mechanic workshops in Umuahia were analysed and the associated health risks for the consumers were evaluated. The trace metal contents in the mushroom and its substrates showed a descending order of Fe > Pb > Cd > As > Hg. The heavy metals concentration ranges in fruity body of the Pleurotus tuber-regium were Fe (62.16-98.17 mg kg-1), Pb (0.18-1.21 mg kg-1), Cd (0.05-0.34 mg kg-1), As (0.25-0.51 mg kg-1) and Hg (0.009-0.021 mg kg-1). The estimation of weekly intake values was lower than PTWIs of mushroom species except for Fe. According to the THQ and the HI calculations for trace metal contents in the mushrooms, mercury did not pose any risk on human health; whereas the other determined trace metals gave THQ values of 1 < THQ < 10 and showed the possibility of long-term risk.
 
 KEY WORDS: Trace metals. Mushroom, Estimated weekly intake, Target hazard quotient, Bioaccumulation
 
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 229-241.
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.2
Highlights
INTRODUCTIONSponge-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above the ground on soil or its food source
Mushroom is the fleshy, sponge-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above the ground on soil or its food source
This study filled some information gaps on the mineral contents of Pleurotus tuber-regium in southeastern Nigeria and is the first time that data on As in these mushrooms are presented for this region
Summary
Sponge-bearing fruiting body of a fungus, typically produced above the ground on soil or its food source. Apart from its medical values (for the treatment of rheumatism, kwashiorkor, obesity, diarrhoea and as a purgative), mushrooms have been proven to be a good source of macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, lipids), and micronutrients (vitamins, and minerals) for the human body [1] This very nutritional fungus (Pleurotus tuber-regium) has been found to develop or grow on natural substrates like logs of woods, decomposed agro- and animal wastes, and soil. The high humidity of the area during the rainy season (April–September) provides ideal atmospheric conditions for the growth of many fungi, including edible Macromycetes [13] During this period, people of this region usually harvest and consume mushrooms (over 15 kg yearly) and various species (Pleurotus tuber-regium, Auricularia auricular, Lentinus squarrosulus, etc) are displayed for sale along the major roads close to the harvest points. The findings of this study do add to the existing database on this subject matter but guide further investigations and provide a framework needed for the evaluation of the health risks associated with mushroom consumption
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