DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/26.3.4659
Original scientific paper
Chromium accumulation in Croatian wild edible mushrooms: an ecological and dietary risk assessment
2025, 26 (3) p. 749-762
Ivan ŠIRIĆ, Lovro BARLEK, Boro MIOČ, Damir MIHANOVIĆ, Sami ABOU FAYSSAL, Pankaj Kumar
Abstract
Wild edible saprotrophic mushrooms play a significant role in global diets due to their unique nutritional and medicinal properties. Saprotrophic mushrooms, which decompose organic matter, contribute to ecosystem nutrient cycling and offer various health benefits to humans. In recent times, rapid urbanization and industrialization have contributed to elevated levels of heavy metals, specifically chromium (Cr), in soil systems, which are later accumulated by saprotrophic mushrooms. In this study, an attempt was made to study the status of Cr contamination in soil and five saprotrophic mushroom species, i.e., Agaricus campestris L., Armillaria mellea [Vahl] P. Kumm., Clitocybe inversa [Sowerby] Vizzini, Clitocybe nebularis [Batsch] P. Kumm., and Macrolepiota procera [Scop.] Singer. around seven locations in central and coastal Croatia. Analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) showed significant levels (P<0.05) of Cr, predominantly in the caps compared to the stipes. Analysis across seven locations indicated that mushrooms and soil samples from central Croatian sites had higher Cr levels than those from coastal areas. Despite the elevated Cr levels, the bioaccumulation factor values and health risk indices, including the dietary intake of metal (DIM) and health risk index (HRI), were below the threshold limit of 1. This finding suggests no significant health risks from consuming these mushrooms. The findings are useful for assessing the potential risks associated with Cr contamination in edible mushrooms from central and coastal regions in Croatia.
Keywords
heavy metals, risk assessment, soil pollution, toxicity, wild edible mushrooms
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