The effect of Mg immissions on the accumulation of nutrients and risk elements in soils and macromycetes

Abstract

The research was carried out between 2021 and 2023 in zones A‒D, 400, 600, 1000, and 1500 m away from the magnesite plant in Lubeník (central Slovakia), which are polluted by magnesite immissions. Due to the fall of magnesite dust, the Organic horizons became neutral to weakly acidic, the mineral layers of soils in zones A and B strongly to weakly alkaline, and neutral in zones C and D. Ca, Mg, and Na in the Organic horizon and 0–5 cm soil layers decreased from zone A toward zone D. Mn and K increased from zone A to zone D. Cd generally increased from zone A to zone C. A total of 107 species of macromycetes from the phyla Ascomycota (15) and Basidiomycota (92) were detected. The absolute best accumulator of Ca and Mg was Hymenochaete rubiginosa and Ca, Mg, and Mn Geastrum rufescens. The best K accumulator was Inosperma erubescens together with Russula cyanoxantha, and the absolute best Na accumulator was Clitocybe phyllophila. Cd was best accumulated by Hymenochaete rubiginosa and Inosperma erubescens. PCA showed that soil properties depended on pH values and C, N, K, and Na content. The mentioned variables were significantly correlated with PC1 (share 46%), while the contents of Ca, Mg, Mn, and Cd were correlated with PC2 (share 35%). Ca and Cd were the most important environmental variables accumulated in macromycete fruiting bodies. PC1 represents a significant axis for the prediction of Ca content (40.2%) and PC2 for the prediction of Cd content in macromycetes (19%). Environmental pollution by Mg emissions significantly contributed to soil degradation and the composition of macromycete communities. The knowledge gained can help in the implementation of corrective measures in areas affected by alkaline immissions.