Three edible mushrooms of the Russulacea family (Lactarius deliciosus,
Lactarius sanguifluus, and Lactarius semisanguifluus), most frequently
consumed in Serbia, were analyzed using the ICP-OES technique to evaluate
the content of K, P, Ca, Mg, Na, Al, As, Cd and Pb, both in cap and stipe.
Corresponding soils were analyzed, too. Based on the obtained values for the
elemental composition of mushrooms and soil, bioaccumulation and
trans-location factors were calculated. All the examined mushrooms species
were recognized as bioexclusors of analyzed toxic elements, but
bioaccumulators of K, P, and Ca. The studied mushrooms are good sources of
macroelements. One portion of 300 g of fresh mushrooms had a significant
contribution of K and P, exceeding 15 % of the recommended daily intake for
the elements. On the contrary, mushrooms had a low potential to
bioaccumulate toxic elements, and presented results indicated the regular
consumption of wild edible mushrooms is safe for human health. Correlation
analysis was applied to determine phosphorus's influence on the elements'
content in the mushrooms and corresponding soils, demonstrating the most
remarkable mushrooms' tendency to accumulate phosphorus.