MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Analysis of Metallic Elements and Metalloids Composition and Relationships in Parasol Mushroom Macrolepiota procera

Summary

This research examined how parasol mushrooms accumulate various metals and other elements from their environment. The findings have important implications for food safety and environmental monitoring. Key impacts include: • Parasol mushrooms can accumulate potentially harmful levels of toxic metals like cadmium, mercury and lead even in unpolluted areas • Frequent consumption of these mushrooms may pose health risks due to metal accumulation • These mushrooms could serve as natural indicators of environmental pollution • The study helps inform safe mushroom foraging practices • The findings contribute to our understanding of how fungi interact with and concentrate environmental elements

Background

Macrolepiota procera (Parasol Mushroom) is an edible saprobe mushroom widely collected in temperate and sub-tropical regions. The pileus (caps) are highly valued by locals and prepared in various cooking methods. The mushroom grows in calcareous and sandy soils that are well-drained in forests, meadows and gardens.

Objective

The study aimed to characterize the multi-elemental composition and associations between 32 elements and 16 rare earth elements collected by mycelium from growing substrates and accumulated in fruiting bodies of Macrolepiota procera from 16 sites in lowland areas of Poland.

Results

The model explained up to 93% variability by eight factors with eigenvalue ≥1. Absolute correlation coefficient values were above 0.72 for 43 elements. From a consumer perspective, Cd, Hg, and Pb levels in caps from background areas were elevated. The multivariate analysis revealed associated accumulation patterns of many elements.

Conclusion

M. procera from background areas showed elevated levels of toxic Cd, Hg and Pb in edible caps, while As levels were lower. Due to cooking methods that don’t reduce these metals, frequent consumption may not be advisable. The mushroom showed potential as a bio-indicator for anthropogenic Pb and some geogenic metals. Essential elements like Cu and Zn were found in narrow concentration ranges, suggesting no major environmental metal contamination in the studied regions.
  • Published in:Environmental Science and Pollution Research International,
  • Study Type:Environmental Analysis Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11356-017-9136-9
Scroll to Top