PHOSPHOROUS AND CERTAIN METALS IN PARASOL MUSHROOMS (MACROLEPIOTA PROCERA) AND SOILS FROM THE AUGUSTOWSKA FOREST AND ELK REGION IN NORTH-EASTERN POLAND

This report provides, using a validated analytical method, data on a baseline concentrations and bioconcentration potential of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mn, Mg, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn by Parasol Mushroom collected from two spatially related sites - the stands in the Augustowska Forest and the stands in the outskirts of the Elk town in north-eastern part of Poland. The total elements content was determined by ICP-AES and CV-AAS for Hg. Parasol Mushroom efficiently accumulated Ag, Hg, Cu and K in fruiting bodies and moderately of Ca, Cd, Mg, Na, P, Rb, Zn. Tasty caps of Parasol Mushroom from forested areas in north-eastern Poland are rich in essential elements such as Rb, K, P, Cu, Zn, Mg and Na. Nevertheless, a portion of specimens collected can contain in flesh Cd and Pb in concentrations exceeding tolerance limits set in the European Union for mushrooms. Eating these caps can result in an exceeding the safety intake margins of Hg (a slightly), and more of Cd, and especially, if eaten more than once per week. Measured elements concentration in soil samples confirmed that fruiting bodies were collected from unpolluted areas. The data obtained are consistent with the data resulting from the various studies carried out on unpolluted areas. Received data about elements concentration in both soil and flesh of the mushroom were statistically analyzed, including multifunction analysis (e.g. Mann-Whitney U test, CA, PCA).