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Elemental uptake and accumulation by wood decay fungi in relation to their nutrition strategy, rot type and mineral profile of the colonized wood
Species-specific preferences vs. soil composition impact – interplay in bioaccumulation of elements in edible mycorrhizal mushrooms
Rotifers as indicators of trophic state in small water bodies with different catchments (field vs. forest)
Abstract Current methods for assessing lake trophic status using zooplankton are well-established, but there is a lack of approaches for small, shallow water bodies. This study addresses the gap by analyzing rotifer communities across 100 ponds in different catchment areas (field and forest). We hypothesized that the Rotifer Trophic State Index (TSIROT) is an effective tool for assessing trophic state, yielding comparable results to the Carlson TSI index. We also proposed that variations in physical and chemical parameters would significantly affect rotifer composition, impacting the trophic state assessment. Field ponds, exposed to agricultural runoff, exhibited higher trophic states and a predominance of detritivorous species. In contrast, forest ponds, with extensive macrophyte coverage, maintained lower trophic states and supported diverse algivorous species, particularly of littoral and mesotrophic origin. This confirmed our hypothesis that catchment type strongly influences trophic state and rotifer communities. We demonstrated that rotifer traits—abundance, species diversity, habitat type preferences and proportions of eutrophic versus mesotrophic species—along with TSIROT, are effective in assessing water quality in ponds. Overall, the results validate TSIROT as a reliable tool for small water bodies, comparable to Carlson’s TSI index, and highlight the importance of catchment type in influencing water quality.
Lactarius and Russula mushroom genera – Similarities/differences in mineral composition within the Russulaceae family
GIS-based Visualization of Elemental Distribution in Neoboletus Luridiformis Fruiting Body
Abstract The fruiting body of Neoboletus luridiformis (Scarletina bolete) mushroom was used to determine the level of bioconcentration and subsequent distribution of seventeen elements (Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn). A two-centimeter-thick vertical section of the entire fruit body was divided into 101 partial sub-samples where the contents of the studied elements were determined using ICP OES. The actual distribution of the elements in the fruiting body profile was visualized using a GIS interpolation method resulting in distribution maps. The study provides valuable insights into the distribution patterns of 17 elements within the fruiting body of N. luridiformis. Based on the visualization of the elemental content, the determined elements can be divided into three categories. Elements accumulated primarily (i) in the cap (Al, Ag, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Ni, and Zn), (ii) in the stipe (Ba, Mn, Na, Pb, and Se), and (iii) elements with non-specific distribution (Cr and Sr). Since such detailed information supported by graphical visualization has not been published to date, the information in this study will help to better understand the accumulation and distribution of elements within the fruiting bodies of wild as well as cultivated mushroom species.
Use of Spent Mushroom Substrates in Radish (Raphanus ssp.) Microgreens Cultivation
This study evaluated the effects of incorporating spent mushroom substrates (SMS) derived from Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus ostreatus, and Lentinula edodes into peat-based growing media on the morphological traits, photosynthetic parameters, and mineral composition of radish and black radish microgreens. Six substrate mixtures were tested, with 2.5–30% SMS and two composting durations (97 and 153 days). The results showed that a low proportion of A. bisporus SMS (2.5–5%) significantly enhanced biomass production, plant length, and leaf area, particularly in radish. In contrast, higher proportions (20–30%) of P. ostreatus and L. edodes SMS, especially when short-time composted, inhibited plant growth and photosynthetic performance (Fv/Fm, PIabs), likely due to phytotoxic compounds, high salt content, or nutrient imbalances. Mineral analysis revealed substantial increases in K, Fe, and Zn accumulation in microgreens grown on selected SMS media, particularly Agaricus 5% and Lentinula 30, while also highlighting the risk of excessive Na or heavy metal content in some treatments. Differences between the species were observed: black radish produced higher dry mass and accumulated more minerals, suggesting greater adaptability to suboptimal substrates. These findings support the potential use of well-composted SMS as a sustainable growing media component for microgreens, provided proper substrate selection, composting, and dosage control are applied.
Trace of negative changes in environment recorded in cores of trees growing near busy city roads in Poznań, Poland – dendromonitoring of urban pollution
Copper, lead and zinc interactions during phytoextraction using Acer platanoides L. - a pot trial
AbstractOf the many environmental factors that modulate the phytoextraction of elements, little has been learnt about the role of metal interactions. The study aimed to show how different concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn in the cultivation medium influenced the biomass, plant development and phytoextraction abilities ofAcer platanoidesL. seedlings. Additionally, the impact on the content and distribution of Ca, K, Mg and Na in plant parts was studied with an analysis of phenols. Plants treated with a mixture of two metals were characterised by lower biomass of leaves and higher major elements content jointly than those grown in the salt of one element. Leaves ofA. platanoidescultivated in Pb5 + Zn1, Pb1 + Zn1and Pb1 + Zn5experimental systems were characterised by specific browning of their edges. The obtained results suggest higher toxicity to leaves of Pb and Zn present simultaneously in Knop solution than Cu and Pb or Cu and Zn, irrespective of the mutual ratio of the concentrations of these elements. Antagonism of Cu and Zn concerning Pb was clearly shown in whole plant biomass when one of these elements was in higher concentration (5 mmol L−1) in solution. In the lowest concentrations (1 mmol L−1), there was a synergism between Cu and Zn in plant roots. Plants exposed to Zn5, Cu1 + Pb5, Pb5 + Zn1and Cu1 + Zn1were characterised by higher total phenolic content than the rest plants. Both the presence and the concentration of other elements in the soil are significant factors that modulate element uptake, total phenolic content, and plant development.Graphical Abstract
Spring and autumn rotifer community structure differentiates shallow water bodies in two European ecoregions: Poland and Croatia
AbstractRotifer structure may serve as predictor of environmental features, including temperate subclimates between water bodies. The difference in latitude between two temperate regions (Poland vs. Croatia) affects the identification of particular environmental factors that subsequently influence the taxon-related indices of rotifers. A study on 10 water bodies found that taxon-trait indices were sensitive in identifying latitude differences, even though extreme weather conditions were not considered, and only two seasons (spring and autumn) were examined. A variable rotifer community, with a high share of rare species, was obtained. We found a distinctiveness of abiotic factors between both countries, indicating a higher trophic state in Poland. Although habitat conditions were more similar in spring compared to the autumn, the percentage of rotifer common taxa was alike in both seasons but variation in distinct species community was clear. Trophic state increase in Poland was reflected in the structure of dominant and distinct species, with a wide range of eutrophy indicators. Comparing how rotifer species respond to environmental conditions is important for developing methods to assess trophic state changes due to climate change. Single species, distinct or rare species, are often the first sign of changes.
Linking soil properties to elemental uptake patterns: species-specific accumulation in Boletales mushrooms
Mineral composition variation in Boletales mushrooms—indication of soil properties and taxonomic influence
AbstractThe efficiency of element accumulation depends on numerous factors, where the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil seem to be very important, and the role of taxonomic rank in the accumulation of elements by mushrooms seems to be important. The aim of the study was to compare the mineral composition of 7 species belonging to Leccinum and Suillus genera, collected between 2019 and 2021 from localizations in the west-central part of Poland. The research aimed to indicate the role of selected soil parameters in stimulating/inhibiting the accumulation of elements by selected Boletales mushroom species and to answer the question about the role of species belonging to the genus as an indicator determining the specific mineral composition of fruiting bodies. Soil pH and other soil properties (granulometric composition, organic carbon, degree of organic matter decomposition) may significantly affect mushrooms' mineral composition. Mushroom species belonging to Leccinum genus exhibited the higher amount of essential major and trace elements than species of Suillus genus). It suggests that the affiliation of the studied mushroom species to a specific genus may affect their mineral composition, and the physicochemical properties of the soil may be responsible for the lack of a clear division in the efficiency of element(s) accumulation. Selected species contain high amounts of K, Cu, Fe, and Zn, while others, such as selected Suillus gravellei fruiting bodies, also contain As and Cd. The results described serve as an introduction to a broader scientific discussion and require many further studies to confirm the role of taxonomic ranks and the influence of soil characteristics on the accumulation of elements by fruiting bodies. Graphical Abstract
Wild-grown, tissue-cultured, and market Pleurotus ostreatus: Implications for chemical characteristics
Ecosystem models indicate zooplankton biomass response to nutrient input and climate warming is related to lake size
Combined Dairy Manure-Food Waste Digestate as a Medium for Pleurotus djamor—Mineral Composition in Substrate and Bioaccumulation of Elements in Fruiting Bodies
The present investigation aimed to study the utilisation of combined dairy manure-food waste digestate as a substrate (experimental mushroom substrate—EMS) for Pleurotus djamor (strain 2708, Mycelia) cultivation. Considering the lack of scientific information about the influence of elements concentration in growing substrates on the bioaccumulation of elements in cultivated mushrooms and their residual concentrations in substrates left after cultivation (spent mushroom substrate—SMS), a multi-elemental analysis of 38 elements was carried out. In the study, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) was used for elemental analysis. The P. djamor cultivated on EMS resulted in a yield of 196.50 g/bag, achieving a biological efficiency (BE) of 39.90%. High variability in the elemental concentrations among substrates both before and after mushroom cultivation was evident. The studied elements accumulation in P. djamor was in an increasing trend in three subsequent flushes and was also reflected in the bioconcentration factors (BCFs). The highest BCF (2.35) was determined for Fe. Interestingly, the BCF values for all studied trace elements with detrimental health effects were lower than 1.00. The estimated daily intake (EDI) reflected that the P. djamor fruiting bodies grown on EMS can serve as an excellent dietary source of essential major and trace elements: Ca, Mg, Na, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se and Zn. On the other hand, EDI values for K, Cu, Fe, Ag, Ba, Cd, Al, Sb and Sr were greater than the referred guideline values corresponding to higher intake. Overall, the study presented an insight into elemental accumulations and demonstrated the potential utilisation of combined dairy manure-food waste digestate.
Molekularne i fizjologiczne mechanizmy sezonowego transportu i fitoekstrakcji różnych form arsenu u traw wieloletnich na przykładzie miskanta olbrzymiego (Miscanthus x giganteus)
A comparison of toxic and essential elements in edible wild and cultivated mushroom species
AbstractThe multi-elemental composition of 4 edible wild-growing mushroom species that commonly occur in Polish forests was compared to 13 cultivated mushroom species available in trade. A considerable variation in the macroelements content was revealed with cultivated species containing higher amounts of macroelements. The mean content of B, Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, Pr, Pt, Sb, Sm, Sr, Te, and Tm was higher in cultivated mushroom species, while the opposite was noted for Ba, Cd, Cu, Hg, La, Mo, Sc, and Zn. Selected cultivated forms exhibited increased content of Al (F. velutipes), As (H. marmoreus, F. velutipes), Ni (P. ostreatus, A. polytricha, H. marmoreus), and Pb (P. ostreatus, A. polytricha, F. velupites, and L. edodes). Wild-growing species, B. boletus, I. badia, and S. bovinus contained high Hg levels, close to or exceeding tolerable intakes. Compared to cultivated mushrooms, they also generally revealed a significantly increased content of Al (with the highest content in B. edulis and I. badia), As and Cd (with the highest content in B. edulis and S. bovinus in both cases). In turn, the cultivated mushrooms were characterized by a higher content of Ni (particularly in A. bisporus) and Pb (with the highest content in P. eryngii). The exposure risks may, however, differ between wild and cultivated mushrooms since the former are consumed seasonally (although in some regions at a high level), while the latter are available throughout the year. Both cultivated and wild-growing mushrooms were found to be a poor source of Ca and Mg, and only a supplemental source of K, Cu, Fe, and Zn in the human diet. These results suggest that mushrooms collected from the wild or cultivated, should be consumed sparingly. The study advocates for more strict monitoring measures of the content of toxic metals/metalloids in mushrooms distributed as food, preferentially through the establishment of maximum allowance levels not limited only to a few elements and mushroom species.
