Mercury bio-concentration potential of Larch Bolete, Suillus grevillei, mushroom

Larch Bolete can be classified as a mushroom species accumulating Hg in the fruiting bodies. Our results did indicate diversity of Hg concentrations (p < 0.05), depending on a site of collection of Larch Bolete fruiting bodies as well as the lack of any statistically significant differences in soil mercury contamination among the examined sites. Values of 1.0 microg Hg/g dw for pool of caps and 2.0 microg/g dw for a single cap of Larch Bolete are suggested as threshold concentrations implying Hg baseline level, while greater value could imply contamination due to the site pollution.