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An evaluation of the occurrence and trends in 137Cs and 40K radioactivity in King Bolete Boletus edulis mushrooms in Poland during 1995–2019

Summary

This study tracked radioactive contamination in King Bolete mushrooms across Poland over 25 years following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. Researchers found that radioactive caesium levels were highest 10-20 years after the accident, peaking in the 1990s, because radioactive particles slowly moved deeper into soil where mushroom roots feed. While people who eat wild mushrooms from Poland were exposed to some radioactivity, serious health risks were uncommon, and contamination has significantly decreased in recent years.

Background

Wild edible mushrooms, particularly King Bolete (Boletus edulis), are important food resources in many regions. However, mushrooms have a propensity for accumulating radioactive contaminants, particularly radiocaesium from nuclear accidents like Chernobyl. Poland, located approximately 500 km west of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, experienced significant radioactive deposition following the 1986 accident.

Objective

To evaluate the occurrence and temporal trends of 137Cs and 40K radioactivity in King Bolete mushrooms collected from 33 forested sites across Poland over a 25-year period from 1995 to 2019, and to understand the patterns of radiocaesium contamination and human exposure.

Results

137Cs activity ranged from 25 to 10,000 Bq kg-1 dry weight, with higher levels in earlier years mostly in eastern locations consistent with Chernobyl fallout plumes. Maximum contamination occurred 10-20 years after the 1986 incident, supporting the hypothesis that 137Cs permeates slowly to deeper soil horizons hosting mycelial networks. Activity levels declined significantly from peak values in 1995-1999 to lower levels in recent years.

Conclusion

B. edulis is a good bio-indicator of radiocaesium distribution in Polish forested areas. While foragers and recreational mushroom pickers are undoubtedly exposed to 137Cs, regulated level breaches were uncommon and mainly related to the Chernobyl incident. The declining contamination trend indicates the present time is relatively ‘cleaner’ compared to periods following nuclear weapons testing and the Chernobyl accident.
  • Published in:Environmental Science and Pollution Research International,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 33625702, DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12433-8
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