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Distribution and Origin of Major, Trace and Rare Earth Elements in Wild Edible Mushrooms: Urban vs. Forest Areas

Summary

This research examined how wild edible mushrooms accumulate different chemical elements when growing in city versus forest environments. The study analyzed 46 different elements in various mushroom species to understand if urban pollution affects their safety for consumption. The findings have several important implications for everyday life: • While mushrooms from both urban and forest areas were generally safe in terms of toxic metal content, excessive consumption could pose health risks • Location (city vs forest) was less important for mushroom safety than previously thought • Different mushroom species accumulate elements differently, regardless of where they grow • People should be cautious about consuming large amounts of wild mushrooms, even from seemingly pristine forest areas • Regular monitoring of wild mushroom chemical composition is important for food safety

Background

Mushrooms have been part of human diet for centuries and are known to readily accumulate high concentrations of metals and metalloids. Their element uptake is influenced by both fungal and environmental factors. In urban areas, soils face additional burden from traffic and industrial pollution, potentially leading to accumulation of heavy metals. While mushrooms growing near pollution sources are generally avoided, those from forests are considered safe, though the geochemical composition of underlying soil is usually neglected as a potentially significant source of elements.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the composition of major, trace, and rare earth elements in 15 different species of wild edible mushrooms and examine the possible effect of urban pollution on elemental uptake. The research compared mushrooms from green areas of the city exposed to urban pollution versus forest areas with limited anthropogenic influence. Through analysis of 46 elements, the study sought to expand knowledge about element uptake by mushroom fruiting bodies.

Results

The results showed wide variability in mushroom composition, suggesting multiple factors influence element uptake capacity. Data did not indicate significant exposure to anthropogenic influences regardless of sampling location. Major elements’ levels appeared more influenced by species-specific affinities, while trace elements’ levels presumably reflected sampling site geochemical characteristics. Health risk assessment showed consumption of excessive amounts of studied mushrooms from both urban and forest areas may have adverse health effects.

Conclusion

The study found that both geochemical composition of substrate and species-specific affinities influence element uptake in mushrooms, with predominance varying by species and element. Most abundant elements were essential nutrients, whose uptake appeared more genetically influenced than site-specific. Toxic element content was low with no clear traffic pollution influence. However, health risk assessment revealed high non-carcinogenic risk in 14 of 19 studied mushrooms from both urban and forest areas, suggesting cautious consumption.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof7121068
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