Macroelements versus toxic elements in selected wild edible mushrooms of the Russulacea family from Serbia

Abstract

Three edible mushrooms of the Russulacea family (Lactarius deliciosus, Lactarius sanguifluus, and Lactarius semisanguifluus), most frequently consumed in Serbia, were analyzed using the ICP-OES technique to evaluate the content of K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, As, Cd and Pb, both in cap and stipe. Corresponding soils were analyzed, too. Based on the obtained values for the elemental composition of mushrooms and soil, bioaccumulation and trans-location factors were calculated. All the examined mushrooms species were recognized as bioexclusors of analyzed toxic elements, but bioaccumulators of K, P, and Ca. The studied mushrooms are good sources of macroelements. One portion of 300 g of fresh mushrooms had a significant contribution of K and P, exceeding 15 % of the recommended daily intake for the elements. On the contrary, mushrooms had a low potential to bioaccumulate toxic elements, and presented results indicated the regular consumption of wild edible mushrooms is safe for human health. Correlation analysis was applied to determine phosphorus's influence on the elements' content in the mushrooms and corresponding soils, demonstrating the most remarkable mushrooms' tendency to accumulate phosphorus.