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Radioactive Artificial 137Cs and Natural 40K Activity in 21 Edible Mushrooms of the Genus Boletus Species from SW China

Summary

This research examined radioactive contamination levels in edible mushrooms from Southwest China. The study found very low levels of radioactive cesium-137 from nuclear fallout and natural potassium-40 in these mushrooms, indicating they are safe for consumption. Impact on everyday life: – Confirms the safety of wild mushrooms collected in SW China regarding radioactive contamination – Demonstrates the limited impact of global nuclear events on this region’s food supply – Provides baseline data for future monitoring of environmental radioactivity – Supports the continued traditional practice of mushroom foraging in these regions – Helps inform public health guidelines regarding wild mushroom consumption

Background

Nuclear weapons testing and nuclear accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima have caused global radioactive fallout, with varying levels of contamination across regions. Mushrooms are known to bioconcentrate various elements including radionuclides from soil. While the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents had limited impact in China, data on radioactive fallout from nuclear events is limited from this region.

Objective

To analyze and determine the activity concentrations of radioactive cesium-137 and naturally occurring potassium-40 in 21 species of edible Boletus mushrooms collected from Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China, and assess potential radiation exposure from consumption.

Results

Activity concentrations of 137Cs were low, ranging from <4.4 to 83 Bq kg−1 dry biomass in caps and <3.8 to 37 Bq kg−1 in stipes. No 134Cs was detected. 40K concentrations ranged from 420 to 1300 Bq kg−1 in caps and 520 to 1300 Bq kg−1 in stipes. The annual effective radiation dose from consuming 1 kg of mushrooms ranged from <0.0031 to 0.047 μSv for 137Cs and 0.22 to 1.2 μSv for 40K.

Conclusion

The activity concentrations of 137Cs in Boletus mushrooms from Sichuan and Yunnan were very low, approximately 100-fold below 40K levels. The effective radiation doses from both 137Cs and 40K were very low, with 40K contributing an order of magnitude more than 137Cs. These findings indicate minimal radiological risk from consuming these mushrooms.
  • Published in:Environmental Science and Pollution Research International,
  • Study Type:Environmental Monitoring Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s11356-017-8494-7
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