HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF CONSUMING WILD EDIBLE MUSHROOMS (M. PROCERA AND C. CIBARIUS) BASED ON TOTAL MERCURY CONTENT

Abstract

The consumption of wild edible mushrooms is common in Central Europe; however, their ability to accumulate mercury (Hg) may pose health risks. This study evaluated total mercury content in the caps and stipes of Macrolepiota procera and Cantharellus cibarius collected from 34 localities in Slovakia, including historically contaminated mining areas. In total, 148 mushroom samples and corresponding soil samples were analyzed using AMA-254 analyzer. Soil contamination was assessed using the contamination factor (C_f), while mercury uptake and distribution were evaluated using the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (Q_c/s). Potential health risks were determined using provisional tolerable weekly intake (%PTWI) and target hazard quotient (THQ). Soil mercury concentrations ranged from 0.04 to 7.39 mg·kg^-1, with the highest values recorded in former mining regions. M. procera showed significantly higher mercury levels compared to C. cibarius. In both species, mercury concentrations were higher in caps than in stipes. BAF values confirmed M. procera as a mercury accumulator, whereas C. cibarius exhibited lower accumulation capacity. Health risk assessment revealed that %PTWI frequently exceeded 100% for M. procera, particularly in contaminated areas, and THQ values above 1 indicated potential non-carcinogenic health risks associated with long-term consumption. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring mercury contamination in wild mushrooms and highlight potential risks related to their consumption from environmentally burdened sites.