Metallic elements (Ca, Hg, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Zn) in the fruiting bodies of Boletus badius.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the levels of eight metallic elements in the fruiting bodies of Bay Bolete (Boletus badius; current name Imleria badia) collected from ten sites in Poland to understand better the value of this popular mushroom as an organic food. Bay Bolete fruiting bodies were collected from the forest area near the towns and villages of Ketrzyn, Poniatowa, Bydgoszcz, Pelplin, Wloclawek, Zuromin, Chelmno, Elk and Wilków communities, as well as in the Augustów Primeval Forest. Elements such as Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na and Zn were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and mercury by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CV-AAS). This made it possible to assess the nutritional value of the mushroom, as well as possible toxicological risks associated with its consumption. The results were subjected to statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis test, cluster analysis, principal component analysis).

Mercury contamination of fungi genus Xerocomus in the Yunnan province in China and the region of Europe.

This article presents the results of the study on accumulation, distribution, contamination and probable dietary intake of total mercury (THg) in fruiting bodies of several species of Fungi genus Xerocomus, which emerged in the circum-Pacific mercuriferous belt region in southwestern China in Yunnan and beyond of the mercuriferous belts in the region of Europe. The mushrooms X. puniceus (Boletus amygdalinus), X. spadiceus (Boletus ferrugineus) and X. versicolor (X. rubellus) were from the Yunnan land, and X. badius (Boletus badius) was from the region of Europe in Belarus and X. badius, X. chrysenteron, X. ferrugineus, X. versicolor (X. rubellus) and X. subtomentosus from Poland. The THg in the fungal and soil materials was determined using validated method by cold-vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy. Estimated was also probable dietary intake and health risk from THg in Xerocomus spp. examined by consumers. The data showed that THg content of Xerocomus spp. emerged in the European localizations in Poland and Belarus is at an order of magnitude lower level than determined in samples from the Yunnan Province. A reason for an elevated content of THg in mushrooms from Yunnan can be related to abundance of Hg in the geochemical background of soils there. The assessed doses showed that a single meal composed of 300 g of fresh fruiting bodies of X. spadiceus from the Wuding localization in Yunnan in China if consumed once a week will provide THg at dose close to the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) value set for THg, while doses will be lower for all other localizations in Yunnan and Europe. In the Wuding localization in Yunnan a frequent consumption of X. spadiceus in volume exceeding 300 g of fresh fruiting bodies per week will provide THg at a dose exceeding the value of PTWI.

Mercury in fruiting bodies of dark honey fungus (Armillaria solidipes) and beneath substratum soils collected from spatially distant areas.

BACKGROUND: This paper reports data on bioconcentration potential and baseline mercury concentrations of fruiting bodies of dark honey fungus (Armillaria solidipes) Peck and soil substrate layer (0-10 cm) from 12 spatially distant sites across Poland. Mercury content of caps, stipes and soil samples were determined using validated analytical procedure including cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy after thermal decomposition of the sample matrix and further amalgamation and desorption of mercury from gold wool. RESULTS: Mean mercury concentrations ranged from 20 ± 8 to 300 ± 70 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) in caps, from 20 ± 6 to 160 ± 40 ng g(-1) dw in stipes, and in underlying soil were from 20 ± 2 to 100 ± 130 ng g(-1) dw. The results showed that stipes mercury concentrations were 1.1- to 1.7-fold lower than those of caps. All caps and the majority of stipes were characterized by bioconcentration factor values > 1, indicating that dark honey fungus can be characterized as a moderate mercury accumulator. CONCLUSION: Occasional or relatively frequent eating of meals including caps of dark honey fungus is considered safe in view of the low total mercury content, and the mercury intake rates are below the current reference dose and provisionally tolerable weekly intake limits for this hazardous metal.

Comparison of two acid extraction methods for determination of minerals in soils beneath to Larch Bolete (Suillus grevillei) and aimed to estimate minerals sequestration potential in fruiting bodies.

In this study a two simple and one-step extraction methods were compared for the evaluation of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn accessibility in the soils to Larch Boletes (Suillus grevillei) mushrooms. Determination of chemical elements examined was by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The extractable amounts of minerals from soil when analyzed by both extraction methods (25 % nitric acid "v/v" and 0.43 mol/L acetic acid solutions) correlated significantly with minerals content of Larch Bolete's fruiting bodies. Nitric acid solution used has shown its better capacity as stronger extractor elements than acetic acid. Nevertheless, the Larch Bolete more efficiently take-ups many metallic elements from soil (and sequester them in fruiting bodies), when compared to a leaching potential of both reagents examined, while for some elements availability seem to be limited or take-up and translocation is actively regulated by the mycelium. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Environmental Science and Health: Part A to view the free supplemental file.

Mercury in European Blushers, Amanita rubescens, mushrooms and topsoils: bioconcentration potential and intake assessment.

Total mercury content has been determined in fruiting bodies of European Blushers and topsoils collected from 11 sites across Poland in 2006-2008. Mercury analysis was carried out using a validated analytical method and cold-vapour atomic absorption (CV-AAS). The European Blusher effectively accumulated mercury in fruiting bodies. The mean values of total mercury in caps of European Blushers from background (uncontaminated) areas were from 0.22 to 1.0 (0.067-3.2) and in stipes from 0.16 to 0.65 (0.071-2.7) µg/g dry weight. In topsoil beneath to fruiting bodies, the median Hg concentration at 10 sites in Northern Poland varied between 0.030 and 0.072 (0.0096-0.19) µg/g dw, and in one site in Southern Poland was 0.20 (0.079-0.34) µg/g dw. Data on Hg in European Blushers from different countries were reviewed. The mean concentrations of total Hg in caps of European Blushers from two "pristine" sites in northern part of Poland were ∼1.0 µg/g dw. A meal made with 300-500 g of fresh caps of European Blushers collected at such sites (assuming 90% water content in caps) can result in Hg intake of 0.0003-0.0005 mg Hg/kg bm (assuming a 60 kg bm), which is a dose equipotent to a new provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) value set for inorganic Hg.

Temporal variability in 20 chemical elements content of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) collected from two sites over a few years.

Mature specimens of Parasol Mushroom were collected annually in the outskirts of the Siemiany (2000-2003) and Rafa (2001-2003) sites in the northern part of Poland to examine temporal variations and similarities in the composition of 20 chemical elements. Analysis was done under the same condition and using well-validated analytical methods. Elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and cold vapour-atomic absorption spectroscopy (Hg). The ranges of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn concentrations in the caps of fruiting bodies were similar (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test) for both geographically distant sites, and these specimens from Rafa were more contaminated with Pb (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of caps in the Siemiany site varied in Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Na, Rb and Sr and contents (0.05 < p < 0.001), while they were similar in Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Zn (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of specimens from the Rafa site varied in contents of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, P, Rb and Zn (p > 0.05), while they were similar in Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Na, Ni, Pb and Sr (p < 0.05). The results of this study imply that metallic elements content of Parasol Mushroom collected at the same undisrupted sites, and hence keeping the same geochemical condition for mushroom development and fructification (the same stands and probably the same mycelia), can fluctuate over the years or the life-span of mycelium. Hence, when assessing the nutritional value of essential metallic elements and status of non-essential or toxic metallic elements in Parasol's Mushroom caps (and probably also of other mushrooms species) to man, the possible fluctuation in contents over time have to be taken into account.

Multivariate analysis of mineral constituents of edible Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) and soils beneath fruiting bodies collected from Northern Poland.

Caps and stipes of 141 fruiting bodies of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) and surface layer of soils collected from 11 spatially distant and background (pristine) areas in Northern Poland were analyzed for Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr, and Zn by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy and cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy. In terms of bioconcentration and bioexclusion concept, K, Ag, Cu, Rb, and P were highly bioconcentrated in caps, and their bioconcentration factor values varied for the 11 sites between 120 and 500-67-420, 70-220, 10-170, and 45-100, respectively. Cd, Zn, Mg, and Na showed bioconcentration factors (BCFs) between 3.3 and 36, 3.7-15, 0.92-6.3, and 1.4-44 while Al, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sr were excluded (BCF < 1). The Parasol Mushroom is a species harvested in the wild, and its caps are of unique taste and can contain a spectrum of essential and hazardous mineral compounds accumulated at elevated concentrations, even if collected at the background (pristine) areas. These elevated mineral concentrations of the caps are due to the efficient bioconcentration potential of the species (K, Ag, Cu, Rb, P, Cd, Zn, Mg, and Na) and abundance in the soil substrates (Al, Ca, Fe, Mn). The estimated intake rates of Cd, Hg, and Pb contained in Parasol Mushroom's caps show a cause for concern associated with these metals resulting from the consumption of between 300- and 500-g caps daily, on a frequent basis in the mushrooming season.

Profile of trace elements in Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) from Tucholskie Forest.

The aim of this study was to determine 19 elements contents and bioconcentration potential in fruiting bodies of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) collected from the Tucholskie Forest complex in Poland. Also discussed were Cd, Pb and Hg contents of edible caps in relation to the current regulatory standards. K, P and Mg were particularly abundant in caps and stipes, median values were 38-49, 13, and 1.6-1.6 mg/g dry weight, and followed by Ca, Na and Rb at 110-540, 44-240 and 20-50 µg/g dw, respectively. Concentrations of Al, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn were from less than 50 to 180 µg/g dw, while concentrations of other elements were ∼l.0 µg/g dw or less. Cu, K, Ag, Cd, Na, Rb, Zn and Hg were bioconcentrated (BCF >1), while Al, Ba, Fe, Mn, Co, Sr, Pb and Cr were not bioaccumulated (BCF <1). Cd and Pb content of Parasol Mushroom's edible caps collected from some sites in the Tucholskie Forest exceed the maximum levels set in the EU for cultivated mushrooms.

Variations in metal levels accumulated in Poison Pax (Paxillus involutus) mushroom collected at one site over four years.

K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, Al, Fe, Mn, Rb, Cu, Sr, Ag, Ba, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co, Cr and Hg content have been examined in caps and stipes of mature fruiting bodies of Poison Pax (Paxillus involutus) collected from the same site over 4 years in 1999-2002. Cluster analysis (CA) did indicate on a different composition of these mineral constituents in fruiting bodies that emerged in 1999 and 2000, when compared to 2001 and 2002. In light of principal component analysis (PCA), the metals differentiating these two biannual sets of fruiting bodies were Mn (greatest load to PC1) together with Ca, Fe, Al, Cu, Cd and Hg; Ni (greatest load to PC2) together with Zn, Sr, Ba, Pb and Co, and Ag (greatest load to PC3) together with Na. The elements such as Mg, Sr and Cr showed similar contents both in caps and stipes over four years (p > 0.05; U Mann-Whitney test). Depending on a year or years of collection, contents fluctuated (p < 0.05) for K, Ca, Zn, Al, Fe, Mn, Na, Rb, Cu, Ag, Ba, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Hg. The values of quotients for K, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, Ba, Rb, Cu, Sr, Mn, Co, Cr and Ni content between caps and stipes (Q(C/S)) remained constant (p > 0.05) over four years, and for Fe, Ag, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb fluctuated (p < 0.05). The results of this study imply that a potential of mycelium to up-take metallic elements from substratum and their further transportation within fruiting body and sequestration in Poison Pax, even at a stabile geochemical condition (the same stand and probably the same mycelia), can fluctuate over the years or the life-span of mycelium.

Survey on composition and bioconcentration potential of 12 metallic elements in King Bolete (Boletus edulis) mushroom that emerged at 11 spatially distant sites.

This paper provides data on baseline concentrations, interrelationships and bioconcentration potential of 12 metallic elements by King Bolete collected from 11 spatially distant sites across Poland. There are significant differences in concentrations of metals (Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr, Zn) and their bioconcentration potential in King Bolete Boletus edulis at 11 spatially distant sites surveyed across Poland. These have resulted from significant geographical differences in trace metal concentrations in a layer (0-10 cm) of organic and mineral soil underneath to fruiting bodies and possible local bioavailabilities of macro- (Ca, K, Mg, Na) and trace metals (Al, Ba, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Sr, Zn) to King Bolete. The use of highly appreciated wild-grown edible King Bolete mushroom has established a baseline measure of regional minerals status, heavy metals pollution and assessment of intake rates for wild mushroom dish fanciers against which future changes can be compared. Data on Cd, Cu and Zn from this study and from literature search can be useful to set the maximum limit of these metals in King Bolete collected from uncontaminated (background) areas. In this report also reviewed are data on Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Sr and Zn accumulation in King Bolete.