Determination of the Elemental Impurity Levels in Different Mushroom Species and Probabilistic Risk Assessment

Abstract

Mushroom cultivation and traditional mushroom procurement are widespread worldwide. Therefore, it is important to determine the extent of the risk of heavy metal exposure by consuming wild edible mushrooms. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of four elemental impurities (Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) in edible mushroom species (Macrolepiota mastoidea, Bovista aestivalis, Tricholoma fracticum, Helvella sp., and Rhizopogon roseolus) collected from Çanakkale and Van regions of Türkiye and to investigate potential health risks. For elemental impurity analysis, 0.3 g dry samples of mushrooms collected in Çanakkale and Van provinces between 2022 and 2023 were weighed and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Target hazard quotient (THQ) was calculated for non-carcinogenic risk assessment in children and adults, followed by hazard index (HI) for each mushroom. Carcinogenic risk (CR) was determined. Probabilistic total THQ and total CR in children and adults were calculated using the Monte Carlo simulation method. Cd levels in five mushroom species ranged between 11.19–4838.71 μg/kg, Pb levels between 495.43 and 2836.81 μg/kg, As levels between 3267.52 and 25823.07 μg/kg, and Hg levels between 0.00 and 1594.50 μg/kg. The non-carcinogenic risk potential of As level was observed in all mushroom samples. THQ value was found to be greater than 1. These values also affected the HI value in all mushrooms; the latter was also greater than 1. Since As was detected in all mushrooms in the study and the CR value of this risk element was at a level that may pose a potential carcinogenic hazard, a potential health risk in adults and children can be noted. Furthermore, the Monte Carlo simulation showed that the health risks due to elemental impurity accumulation in mushrooms may increase significantly in children and adults, causing serious health problems. Children are more severely affected by elemental impurity concentrations than adults, especially considering their body weight, which makes it necessary to take protective measures. © 2025 The Author(s). Environmental Toxicology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.