Abstract
Mushrooms are able to accumulate toxic trace elements. This study investigates the content of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in selected species of fungi (Boletus badius, Boletus edulis, and Cantharellus cibarius) from the northeastern part of Poland and estimates their edible safety. The amount of Cd and Pb was determined by flameless atomic spectrometry using the iCE 3000 Series-Thermo. The mean content of Cd in analyzed mushrooms ranged from 0.370 to 2.151 mg/kg d.w., while Pb was found at the level of 0.243-0.424 mg/kg d.w. Boletus edulis was characterized by the highest content of Cd, whereas Cantharellus cibarius contained the biggest amount of Pb. Estimated exposure to the Cd intake expressed as percentage share in TWI (Tolerable Weekly Intake) was at the highest level in Boletus edulis (30.87%), which could be associated with the risk of excessive Cd accumulation in the body.