Rare earth elements in parasol mushroom Macrolepiota procera

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Food Safety
• Mycology

Background:

• Rare earth elements (REEs) are increasingly used in industry, leading to potential environmental contamination.
• Edible mushrooms can accumulate elements from their environment, raising concerns about food safety.
• Macrolepiota procera is a widely consumed wild edible mushroom in Poland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the occurrence and distribution of 16 rare earth elements (REEs) in Macrolepiota procera.
• To assess the potential human health risk associated with REE intake from consuming this mushroom.

Main Methods:

• Mushroom samples (Macrolepiota procera) were collected from 16 diverse locations in northern Poland.
• Concentrations of 16 REEs in mushroom caps and whole fruiting bodies were analyzed.
• Estimated dietary intake and potential health risks were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Cerium (Ce) was the most abundant REE in mushroom caps, with a mean concentration of 0.18±0.29 mg/kg dry biomass.
• The mean total concentration of all 16 REEs in caps was 0.50 mg/kg dry biomass.
• The mean total REE concentration in whole fruiting bodies was 0.75 mg/kg dry biomass.

Conclusions:

• The levels of rare earth elements (REEs) found in the edible caps of Macrolepiota procera are considered low.
• Consumption of Macrolepiota procera does not pose a significant health risk to consumers due to REE exposure.
• This study provides valuable data on the bioaccumulation of REEs in edible fungi and their implications for food safety.