Arsenic Compounds in Higher Fungi

Abstract

In 50 mushroom species (56 samples) from Slovenia, Switzerland, Brazil, Sweden, The Netherlands and USA, total arsenic was determined by radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA). Arsenic concentrations ranged from 0.1 to 30 μg g−1 (dry mass). Arsenic compounds were determined in methanol extracts from the mushrooms by HPLC–ICP–MS. The aim of the study was not only to quantify arsenic compounds in mushrooms but also to uncover trends relating the methylating ability of a mushroom to its taxonomic or evolutionary status. The main arsenic compound found in many mushrooms (various puffballs, Agaricales and Aphyllophorales) was arsenobetaine. Arsenate [As(V)] was the main arsenic species in Laccaria fraterna and Entoloma rhodopolium and arsenite [As(III)] in Tricholoma sulphureum. A mixture of arsenite and arsenate was present in Amanita caesarea. Dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) and methylarsonic acid were present in many mushrooms, but generally as minor components. In Laccaria laccata, Leucocoprinus badhamii and Volvariella volvacea, DMA was the major metabolite. Arsenocholine (AC) and the tetramethylarsonium ion were present in a few species, generally at low concentrations, except for Sparassis crispa, in which AC was the main compound. Tri‐ methylarsine oxide was not found in any of the mushrooms. In some species small amounts of unknown compounds were also present. The possible taxonomic significance of the metabolite patterns and the predominance of arsenobetaine in more advanced fungal types are discussed. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Total contents of arsenic and associated health risks in edible mushrooms, mushroom supplements and growth substrates from Galicia (NW Spain)

“…More than 50 different naturally occurring As-containing compounds have been identified, comprising both organic and inorganic forms. Some of these have been found in mushrooms, including As (III), As (V), methylarsonic acid (MA), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA), trimethylarsine oxide (TMAO), tetramethylarsonium cation (TETRA), arsenobetaine and arsenocholine (LlorenteMirandes et al, 2014;Niedzielski et al, 2013;Slejkovec et al, 1997). In a recent study focusing on toxic constituents of Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricus blazei), a variety of cultivated mushrooms, including Agaricus bisporus, have been investigated for their total arsenic concentrations (Stijve et al, 2003).…”

Arsenic uptake and arsenic compounds in cultivated Agaricus bisporus

“…Although natural soils contain arsenic mostly in inorganic forms, in most higher fungi mainly organo-arsenic compounds are found (Slejkovec, Byrne, Stijve, Goessler, & Irgolic, 1997).…”

“…Previous studies mainly focused on the determination of arsenic metabolites in wild-growing mushrooms. In addition to As(III), As(V), MA, DMA and TMAO, also AB, AC and TETRA--major arsenic compounds in marine biota--have been identified in mushrooms (Byrne & Tusek-Znidaric, 1983;Koch, Wang, Reimer, & Cullen, 2000;Kuehnelt, Goessler, & Irgolic, 1997a, 1997bSlejkovec et al, 1997). In a recent study focusing on toxic constituents of Agaricus brasiliensis a variety of cultivated mushrooms, including Agaricus bisporus, have been investigated for their total arsenic concentrations (Stijve, Pittet, Andrey, Lopes de Almeida Amazonas, & Goessler, 2003).…”

Selected arsenic species: As(III), As(V) and dimethylarsenic acid (DMAA) in Xerocomus badius fruiting bodies

“…Also, some species of mushrooms appear to accumulate As from soil, and their potential as biological pollution indicators has been discussed. For edible mushrooms that accumulate As, such as Amanita muscaria and Lycoperdon perlatum, or those presented in the literature as very rich in As, such as Laccaria amethystina and Sarcosphaera coronaria (concentrations from 250 to 2100 mg kg À1 d.w.), the toxicological consequences to consumers have been of concern (Slejkovec, Byrne, Stijve, Goessler, & Irgolic, 1997).…”