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Accumulation and Distribution of 40K in the Chaga Mushroom

Summary

This research examined how the medicinal chaga mushroom accumulates and distributes radioactive potassium in nature. The study found that wild chaga naturally concentrates potassium-40 in its outer layers, especially when exposed to sunlight. This information is important for understanding both the beneficial and potentially concerning aspects of chaga as a medicinal mushroom. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps ensure safety standards for commercial chaga products • Provides guidance for optimal harvesting of wild chaga • Improves understanding of how medicinal mushrooms interact with their environment • Assists consumers in making informed decisions about chaga supplements • Contributes to better quality control in natural medicine products

Background

The chaga mushroom (Inonotus obliquus) is a medicinal fungus found in boreal forests, recognized for its chemopreventive and healing properties. While its organic compounds and pharmacological activities have been extensively studied, its radioisotope content and composition have been less comprehensively examined. Understanding the natural radioactivity of wild chaga is important for standardization and quality control as the mushroom enters wider commercial markets.

Objective

This study aimed to provide detailed information about the natural radioactivity of wild chaga collected in Eastern Siberia, specifically focusing on total potassium (40K) accumulation in the conk. The researchers also measured cesium-137 (137Cs) levels to evaluate anthropogenic impacts on the study area.

Results

The chaga conks showed high activity concentrations of 40K, averaging 1,641 Bq/kg dry weight and reaching up to 3,502 Bq/kg DW. Activity concentrations increased from the near-trunk stratum to the outer crust of the conk. Values strongly correlated with sun exposure, with higher concentrations found in conks facing south and in well-lit locations. 137Cs levels were generally low, indicating minimal impact from global fallout in the region.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that intensive assimilation of 40K by chaga conks is a normal and innate feature of wild chaga mushrooms. The accumulation patterns of both 40K and 137Cs depend on the conk’s aspect and increase with sun exposure. These findings provide guidance for selecting raw chaga materials and developing collection guidelines, particularly regarding tissues with various 40K concentrations.
  • Published in:Mycoscience,
  • Study Type:Field Research Study,
  • Source: 10.47371/mycosci.2020.11.004
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