Mercury Content in Three Edible Wild-Growing Mushroom Species from Different Environmentally Loaded Areas in Slovakia: An Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment.

Lenka Demková,Daniel Bajčan,Lenka Bobuľská,Ľuboš Harangozo,Július Árvay,Marek Šnirc,Martin Hauptvogl,Jana Michalková,Vladimír Kunca

doi:10.3390/jof7060434

Abstract

Three edible mushroom species (Imlera badia, Boletus subtomentosus, Xerocomellus chrysenteron) sampled in 60 different localities of Slovakia were evaluated to determine health risks (associated with mercury content) arising from their consumption. Total content of mercury in soil and mushroom samples was determined by an AMA-254 analyzer. Soil pollution by mercury was evaluated by contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). Bioaccumulation factor (BAF), translocation factor (Qc/s), provisional tolerably weekly intake (%PTWI), estimated daily intake (EDI), and target hazard quotient (THQ) were used to describe and compare uptake and transition abilities of mushrooms, and the health risk arising from mushroom consumption. Mercury content in soil significantly influences the content of mercury in mushroom fruiting body parts. Caps and stipes of Boletus subtomentosus were found to be the best mercury accumulator. According to the EDI, consumption of the evaluated mushroom species represents a serious threat for adults and children. The lowest values of THQ were found for Xerocomellus chysenteron.

Highlights

IntroductionIntroduction published maps and institutional affilMushrooms are a part of national gastronomy in Central Europe, which is why mushroom picking is a traditional and very popular activity in the region [1,2]
Introduction published maps and institutional affilMushrooms are a part of national gastronomy in Central Europe, which is why mushroom picking is a traditional and very popular activity in the region [1,2]
The aim of the study was (i) to evaluate mercury pollution in soils in selected localities in Slovakia by contamination factor (Cf ) and pollution load index (PLI); (ii) to determine and compare the content of mercury in three edible mushroom species, with regard to the differences between caps and stipes, (iii) to evaluate and compare the abilities of different edible mushroom species uptake and, translocate mercury from the soils; (iv) to estimate the health risk arising from mushroom consumption

Summary

Introduction

Introduction published maps and institutional affilMushrooms are a part of national gastronomy in Central Europe, which is why mushroom picking is a traditional and very popular activity in the region [1,2]. Mushrooms are considered an excellent prebiotic and a source of natural bioactive substances, which can help treat serious diseases [4]. Polluted soil has undesirable substances that could affect growing plants. Mushrooms are considered very good accumulators of pollution coming from soil, and some wild edible mushroom species have even been found to accumulate a high volume of risk elements from soil that is not seriously polluted [6,7]. It is the content of risk elements, and soil pH, organic iations

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