Uptake of lead, cadmium and mercury by cultivated mushrooms

It is reported of the uptake of lead, cadmium and mercury by cultivated mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) from lead, cadmium and mercury-containing substrates. Cd and Hg were observed to accumulate significantly via the mycelium, whereas Pb accumulated scarely, even if the Pb contents in the substrate were high. High lead concentrations in wild mushrooms, therefore, are likely to be mainly due to emissions; whereas, with Cd and Hg, uptake from the soil must also be considered.