Decoding trace element speciation in mushrooms: Analytical techniques, comprehensive data review, and health implications

Alejandro R López; Elena Ortega-Caneda; Estrella Espada-Bellido; Davide Spanu; Martina Zava; Damiano Monticelli

doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141460

Decoding trace element speciation in mushrooms: Analytical techniques, comprehensive data review, and health implications

Food Chem. 2025 Jan 15;463(Pt 4):141460. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141460. Epub 2024 Sep 28.

Authors

Alejandro R López¹, Elena Ortega-Caneda², Estrella Espada-Bellido³, Davide Spanu⁴, Martina Zava⁵, Damiano Monticelli⁶

Affiliations

¹ University School for Advanced Studies IUSS Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Institute for Viticulture and Agri-food Research (IVAGRO), University of Cadiz, Agri-food Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Institute for Viticulture and Agri-food Research (IVAGRO), University of Cadiz, Agri-food Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].
³ Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Institute for Viticulture and Agri-food Research (IVAGRO), University of Cadiz, Agri-food Campus of International Excellence (ceiA3), 11510 Puerto Real, Cadiz, Spain. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁴ Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁵ Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].
⁶ Department of Science and High Technology, University of Insubria, Via Valleggio 11, 22100 Como, Italy. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 39357309
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141460

Abstract

This review focuses on trace element speciation in edible mushrooms, providing information on analytical methods, available literature data, and health risk assessment. All steps of analytical procedures were presented, including extraction, separation and quantification. It compiles fragmented literature data on trace element speciation, focusing on arsenic, chromium, selenium, mercury, and antimony. Key findings include non-bioaccumulative chromium, the prevalence of Sb(V), mercury accumulation in contaminated sites, diverse arsenic and selenium speciation. Safe intake limits by agencies like USEPA indicate low risk for Cr(VI) and Sb but significant hazards from mercury and methylmercury, especially in contaminated areas: about 10 % of samples exceed safe limits for inorganic arsenic, and selenium enrichment often surpasses safety thresholds. The review underscores the need for standardized methods, speciation analyses of all toxicologically relevant species, and research on cooking impacts to improve health risk evaluations: establishing safe conditions for mushroom consumption remains a far-fetched goal.

Keywords: Arsenic; Chromium (VI); Health risk; Methylmercury; Mushrooms; Trace elements speciation.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Agaricales* / chemistry
Animals
Arsenic / analysis
Food Contamination* / analysis
Humans
Mercury / analysis
Selenium / analysis
Trace Elements* / analysis

Substances

Trace Elements
Mercury
Arsenic
Selenium