DOI: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15 ISSN: 2578-9686

A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy)

Eugenio Borghi, Luigi Rinaldi, Emidio Borghi, Doriana Borghi, Cinzia Luca, Filippo Galli, Fabrizio Negri
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This work, with clear environmental objectives, describes the mycological and chemical-analytical activity carried out over a decade (2002-2011) in a pristine valley of the Apennines after the establishment of first-class unhealthy industries which, unfortunately, at the time did not have all the technical measures in force nor did the control bodies have the necessary tools (for example drones). The research aimed to quantify Pb and Cd in fungi, known metal accumulators already used after Chernobyl to detect Cesium 134 and Cesium 137. Cd and Pb are two toxic heavy metals regulated by EU regulations with with very specific limits. To better assess contamination, we took into account climatic factors, prevailing winds and landform to reach our conclusions. Collections and determinations (mycological and chemical) of the mushrooms were performed according to ISO 17025. It should be highlighted immediately that for reasons of space and to make reading less demanding, only values exceeding EU limits are shown and the comparison is limited to the first two years of monitoring and the last 3 years. The work demonstrates the need for careful environmental assessment by Municipal or District Technical Offices to be compared with that presented by industries intending to establish themselves in the area.

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