Abstract:

Background levels of heavy metal contents in edible fungi from Zhejiang Province were measured in random samples collected from main producing areas, supermarkets, farmer's free market. Data, after statistical analysis, showed that background levels were 0.078 mg·kg^-1 for Pb, 0.036 mg·kg^-1 for Cd, 0.009 mg·kg^-1 for Hg, 0.029 mg·kg^-1 for As in fresh edible fungi, and 0.452 mg·kg^-1 for Pb, 0.254 mg·kg^-1 for Cd, 0.044 mg·kg^-1 for Hg, 0.150 mg·kg^-1 for As in dry edible fungi, and 0.074 mg·kg^-1 for Pb, 0.122 mg·kg^-1 for Cd, 0.009 mg·kg^-1 for Hg, 0.030 mg·kg^-1 for As in Fresh Lentinus edodes, and 0.068 mg·kg^-1 for Pb, 0.026 mg·kg^-1 for Cd, 0.008 mg·kg^-1 for Hg, 0.029 mg·kg^-1 for As in fresh Pleurotus ostreatus, and 0.149 mg·kg^-1 for Pb, 0.019 mg·kg^-1 for Cd, 0.038 mg·kg^-1 for Hg,0.094 mg·kg^-1 for As in fresh Agaricus campestris, and 0.083 mg·kg^-1 for Pb, 0.013 mg·kg^-1 for Cd, 0.008 mg·kg^-1 for Hg, 0.020 mg·kg^-1 for As in fresh lammulina velutipes, respectively. The study was done through in-site sampling at reliable growing farms, followed by the standard lab analyses, and the statistical treatment with proved methods. Therefore, the obtained data were representative and reliable. Compared to related national and industrial quality standards, levels of heavy metal contents in edible fungi from Zhejiang Province were low and safe. The background levels in P. ostreatus and F. velutipes were similar and low. The levels of heavy metal contents including Pb, Cd, Hg and As in dry edible fungi were 4.9～7.1 times higher than those in fresh ones. The contents of Pb, Hg, and As in A. campestris were remarkably higher than the other edible fungi. There were 91.0% for Pb, 322.2% for Hg and 224.1% for As higher than the average contents in fresh edible fungi. Cd level in L. edodes was 238.9% higher than the average contents. Pb, Hg, and As in A. campestris and Cd in L. edodes should be watched over regarding to quality controls.

Key words: Zhejiang province, edible fungi, heavy metal, background level, quality and safetychai