Lead, cadmium and zinc contents of fungi in the parks of Helsinki

Twenty-two samples of fungi (Agaricales) were collected from six parks in Helsin ki, Finland, and analysed for lead, cadmium and zinc. The lead and cadmium contents were higher than had been observed in earlier investigations concerning vegetables. The lead contents were 2.2—41 ppm, the cadmium contents 0.17— 10.3 ppm and the zinc contents 24—345 ppm of dry weight. The lead concen trations were significantly higher in decomposer fungi than in mycorrhizal fungi. The lead and cadmium concentrations correlated well with the traffic density in the adjacent streets. Beside busy streets the concentrations were so high that the fungi could not be recommended for use as food.