Calculation of Hazard Quotient Based on the Content of Heavy Metals in Different Mushrooms

Since heavy metals may enter the food chain as a result of their uptake by edible mushrooms, it is necessary to assess the levels of heavy metals and to report possible contamination that would represent a health hazard. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk posed to human’s health based on the content of heavy metals found in the mushrooms collected in the western parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Various wild edible mushroom species (Macrolepiotaprocera, Agaricuscampester, Amanita caesarea, Boletus edulis, Lycoperdonpyriforme, Agaricusurinascens) were collected and the content of Zn, Co, Cu, Ni, Fe, Cr, Se, As, Pb and Cd has been measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS), after lyophilisation and microwave digestion. A hazard quotient (HQ) has been calculated for estimation of health risk. The estimation of hazard quotient of metals in different wild mushrooms from various sites in the western parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina demonstrated alarming results especially when the population of children is concerned. Though the concentration of Co, Cu, Fe and Cr was significantly higher in examined mushrooms, the health risk associated with these metals was also found to be very high.