Study of Heavy Metals and Methyl-Mercury in Fungi in Markets of Madrid

Abstract

In this study, 48 different wild and cultivated mushrooms were purchased in local markets in Madrid and provided by trusted specialists from the Mycological Society of Madrid. Cadmium, mercury, and lead were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in samples previously digested in a microwave oven. Methylmercury (MeHg) was determined by liquid chromatography separation (HPLC) combined with ICP-MS after microwave-assisted extraction. Regarding the cadmium and lead contents, all the samples complied with the maximum permitted limits. For mercury, a single sample exceeded the maximum value established in Regulation (EU) 2018/73 for wild mushrooms. In the case of methylmercury, the highest amount represents 13% of the total mercury in one sample. In the rest of the cases, the concentration found was negligible.