article · Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A
An assessment of mercury contamination and bioconcentration in the wild mushroom Russula ochroleuca examined mature fruiting bodies and topsoil from ten unpolluted sites across northern Poland between 2004 and 2008. Analysis using cold-vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy revealed total mercury levels ranging from 0.017 to 0.43 micrograms per gram dry weight in caps, and 0.011 to 0.24 micrograms per gram in stipes. Mercury concentrations varied significantly across locations, with specimens from Trojmiejski Landscape Park exhibiting the highest contamination. Mushroom caps consistently accumulated higher concentrations than stipes, showing mean cap to stipe concentration ratios between 1.3 and 1.9. Mean bioconcentration factors reached up to 5.6 for caps and 3.3 for stipes, indicating the species accumulates mercury from surrounding soils. The findings are contextualised with a broader global review of mercury levels across 41 Russula species.
Wild mushrooms can accumulate toxic heavy metals from topsoil even in areas without direct pollution. By quantifying how Russula ochroleuca concentrates mercury, this study helps environmental and food safety specialists understand baseline heavy metal absorption in forest ecosystems. It also provides reference data on contamination risks across the wider Russula genus, which includes species gathered for human consumption.
The abstract does not indicate an application pathway.
AI-generated from the published abstract. Always read the original work before citing.
The purpose of this study was to examine the contamination and bioconcentration potential of mercury (Hg) in Yellow-ocher Brittle Gills known also as Yellow-ocher Brittle Gill or Common Russula (Russula ochroleuca) mushroom. Matured fruiting bodies of this fungus and soil samples were collected at ten spatially distant unpolluted sites in the northern part of Poland in 2004-2008. Total Hg content of fruiting bodies and soil were determined by cold-vapour atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). The total Hg content of the Yellow-ocher Brittle Gills varied between 0.017 and 0.43 μg/g dry weights in individual caps and between 0.011 and 0.24 μg/g dw in the stipes. The mean mercury content of the mushroom varied spatially (p < 0.001) between the sites - in caps between 0.039 ± 0.024 and 0.18 ± 0.11 μg/g dw; and in stipes between 0.027 ± 0.014 and 0.13 ± 0.06 μg/g dw. The caps usually contained Hg in greater concentrations than stipes and the mean values of cap to stipe Hg concentration quotient (Q(c/s)) varied from 1.3 ± 0.4 to 1.9 ± 0.04. The range of Hg concentrations in the top soil layer (0-10 cm) varied from 0.011 to 0.51 μg/g dw (mean values varied between 0.025 ± 0.010 and 0.18 ± 0.13 μg/g dw). Mean Hg bioconcentration factor (BCF) varied between 0.57 ± 0.30 and 5.6 ± 1.7 for caps and 0.50 ± 0.49 and 3.3 ± 1.8 for stipes. Yellow-ocher Brittle Gills from Trójmiejski Landscape Park contained Hg at greater concentration compared to other sites. Also presented is a review of data on Hg contents of the genus Russula (41 species, both edible and inedible to man) collected from across the world.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2012.680420
Is something wrong with this record? Report it or request removal.
Discussion
Have you built on this work, tried to replicate it, or seen it applied in practice? Share what you know. Verified researchers and MARATTO™ domain experts can open a discussion, and any member can reply. Contributions are reviewed before they appear.
No discussion yet. Open the first thread.
New to MARATTO™? Create a free account.
