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Mercury Content in Three Edible Wild-Growing Mushroom Species from Different Environmentally Loaded Areas in Slovakia: An Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment

Summary

Researchers tested three types of edible mushrooms from 60 locations across Slovakia to measure their mercury content and potential health risks. Mushrooms grown in polluted soils, especially former mining areas, accumulated dangerous levels of mercury, particularly in the mushroom caps. The study found that while some mushroom species are safer than others, consuming mushrooms from contaminated areas could pose serious health risks to both adults and children.

Background

Mushrooms are popular food items in Central Europe with nutritional and health benefits, but they accumulate heavy metals from polluted soils. Slovakia has numerous environmental burdens and former mining areas where mercury contamination poses risks to mushroom consumers. The ability of different mushroom species to accumulate mercury varies significantly.

Objective

To evaluate mercury pollution in Slovak soils, determine and compare mercury content in three edible mushroom species (caps vs stipes), assess bioaccumulation and translocation abilities of different species, and estimate health risks from mushroom consumption in environmentally loaded regions.

Results

Mercury content in soil ranged from 0.01-276 mg/kg, exceeding permissible limits at 22 sites. Boletus subtomentosus showed the best mercury accumulation (78% of caps and 68% of stipes with BAF>1). Mercury concentration was significantly higher in caps than stipes for all species. EDI analysis indicated serious health threats, with THQ values exceeding 1 in 15%, 13%, and 6% of I. badia, B. subtomentosus, and X. chrysenteron samples respectively.

Conclusion

Soil mercury pollution significantly influences mercury content in mushroom fruiting bodies. Boletus subtomentosus is the best mercury accumulator. Consumption of mushrooms from environmentally polluted areas (mining, industrial zones) poses serious health risks, while mushrooms from non-polluted areas can be considered safe if consumption amounts are limited.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 34072596, DOI: 10.3390/jof7060434
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