Content of heavy metals in carpophores of wild mushroom (Boletus edulis)

Abstract

Boletus edulis is among the most popular and widely consumed wild macromycetes, being rich in minerals, dietary fiber, vitamins and having medical properties they have been used as antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-cholesterol and antiviral agents. This research was conducted on 9 areas of SouthWest Serbia covering forests. Results of the research showed the main soil characteristics to be as follows: pH values ranging from 3.50 to 6.75, total organic carbon - 1.65-6.84%; and total humus range - 2.83-10.75%. Total content of heavy metals detected in all examined soil samples was under the permitted values, as well as in all the examined stone fungus samples, with the difference in Cd content ranging from 0.08 to 1.3 mg/kg. One of the tested localitites had exceeding permitted values of Cd content (>1mg/kg), as well as Hg content showing to be above the permitted values on 3 localities (0.58-0.71 mg/kg). These results indicate the absorption capacity of the wild mushroom to be higher for As and Pb, comparing to the present Cd from the soil. It is also interesting for Hg to be detectable in the mushroom samples deriving from the soils without Hg content, which indicates further invastigations regarding potential pollution sources.