Risk assessment of potentially toxic elements exposure through ganoderma lucidum consumption in the population of...

As a major production area of Ganoderma lucidum, Longquan City has a population with habitual consumption of this medicinal mushroom. This study employed a relative source contribution (RSC) model, coupled with Monte Carlo simulation, aimed to quantify the probabilistic health risk associated with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in G. lucidum from a specific geographical region. PTEs concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb) in G. lucidum were quantified via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after microwave-assisted acid digestion for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and via a direct mercury analyzer for Hg from powdered samples. Consumption patterns were collected through a questionnaire survey (n = 241). Results indicated that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Ni and Pb did not exceed those reported in previous Ganoderma literature, while Cr concentrations exceeded literature values. Daily intake varied significantly across demographics, with retirees and older adults (≥ 60 years) exhibiting the highest consumption. The overall PTEs exposure risk associated with G. lucidum consumption in the local population was found to be relatively low. However, higher risk potentials were observed for As and Cr, necessitating speciation analysis (e.g., inorganic As and hexavalent Cr) for conclusive risk assessment. Sensitivity analysis identified consumption frequency as the primary risk driver, highlighting the imperative for health education to promote rational consumption of medicinal fungi. This study provides authentic data to refine regional regulations and offers science-based guidance to minimize PTEs exposure through G. lucidum consumption, emphasizing the necessity of specific population-specific monitoring.