Species-specific preferences vs. soil composition impact – interplay in bioaccumulation of elements in edible mycorrhizal mushrooms

Soil characteristics and species identity are two important predictors of the mineral composition of wild-growing mushrooms. Identifying the key influencing factors is crucial. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the bioaccumulation of 18 elements (Ag, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) in 7 edible mycorrhizal mushroom species (Ampulloclitocybe clavipes, Cantharellus cibarius, Laccaria amethystina, Leccinum scabrum, Sarcodon imbricatus, Tricholoma equestre, and Xerocomus subtomentosus) from the corresponding soils beneath their fruiting bodies. The soil characteristics (pH, SOC, N, C:N, sand/soil/clay percentage, and granulometric group) were also analyzed. The study revealed that similarities in soil mineral composition did not consistently translate to corresponding elemental content in mushroom fruiting bodies, indicating that species-specific factors may have a more significant role in elemental bioaccumulation than soil composition. Certain species, such as A. clavipes (Ag, Cu, Hg, Mo, Pb, Se), L. amethystina (As), and T. equestre (Na, Zn), displayed higher selectivity in bioaccumulating specific elements. All species effectively accumulated Cu, K, and Zn while excluding elements like Ba, Fe, Mn, and Pb. The species provided substantial levels of K, Cu, and Se, contributing up to 22.8, 52.5, and 42.4 % of the calculated Adequate Intake, respectively, with minimal health risks from Hg and Pb. These results suggest that mushroom species may play a pivotal role in element migration and cycling within forest ecosystems, affecting soil chemistry and plant uptake. Further research is needed to investigate the broader ecological implications.