Mercury content of some wild edible mushrooms

 The mercury (Hg) content of 112 samples of common, wild edible mushrooms was analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry. The average Hg content of all the samples was 1.72 mg/kg dry mass (DM) but the Hg concentrations found in different taxonomic groups (genera and species varied) remarkably. Although different sampling locations obviously have an effect on the Hg concentration of sporocarps, we found evidence for a Hg-accumulating capacity of some taxonomic groups. In addition to Agaricus and Macrolepiota, where the phenomenon of mercury accumulation has already been described, our results indicate high Hg levels in samples of Lycoperdon perlatum (average 2.94 mg/kg DM) and in Lepista species (average 3.02 mg/kg DM). These data confirm the need for greater attention to be given to Hg levels in wild common mushrooms, especially to Hg-accumulating species.