Július Árvay

Contamination of wild-grown edible mushrooms by heavy metals in a former mercury-mining area

The aim of this study was to evaluate the contamination of six edible wild species of mushrooms (Boletus pulverulentus, Cantharellus cibarius, Lactarius quietus, Macrolepiota procera, Russula xerampelina and Suillus grevillei) by heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Mn and Fe). Mushroom samples were collected from sites contaminated by emissions from mining and processing of polymetallic ores in operation during the period 1969–1993 in Rudňany, southeast Slovakia. The four study sites spanned up to a 5-km distance from the emission source. The collected mushroom samples were analyzed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry and/or Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. Mercury, Cd and, in some samples, also Pb present the highest risks in terms of contamination of the food chain following subsequent consumption. The content of two metals in the dry matter (dm) of the mushrooms exceeded the limits set by the European Union (EU; Cd: 0.5 mg/kg dm, Pb: 1.0 mg/kg dm). The highest mean contents of the eight metals recorded for S. grevillei were 52.2, 2.15, 107, 104, 2.27, 2.49, 81.6 and 434 mg/kg dm for Hg, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Mn and Fe, respectively. The highest content of Cd was recorded in M. procera (3.05 mg/kg dm) and that of Co in L. quietus (0.90 mg/kg dm). The calculated weekly intake for Hg, Pb and Cd shows that regular consumption of mushrooms from the studied area poses risks to human health.

Human exposure to heavy metals and possible public health risks via consumption of wild edible mushrooms from Slovak Paradise National Park, Slovakia

The contamination level of 92 samples (12 species) of wild edible mushrooms and underlying substrates with heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) in the Slovak Paradise National Park that borders with a region of historical mining and processing of polymetallic ores, were determined. The collected samples were analyzed using of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The metals were determined separately in hymenophore (H) and rest of fruit bodies (RFB). Bioaccumulation factor as well as ratio of metal content in H and RFB were calculated. Cadmium and lead contents in hymenophore exceeded statutory limits of the EU (Cd: 0.5 mg/kg dry weight (dw), Pb: 1.0 mg/kg dw) for edible mushrooms in 96% and 83% of the samples, respectively. The risk from the consumption of the collected mushroom species was calculated based on the provisionally tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values, and the highest health risk arising with consumption of particularly Macrolepiota procera, Marasmius oreades and Russula vesca from the observed area was demonstrated. It was shown that average weekly consumption of tested mushrooms species results the threat of exceeding of PTWI limits in the case of cadmium values (by 164%, 86% and 4% of PTWI for M. oreades, R. vesca and R. puellaris, respectively) and of mercury (by 96% of PTWI for M. procera) but not lead.

Phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb content in wild and cultivated cranberries and blueberries

The aim of this study was to determine the content of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb and the total polyphenol (TP) content as well as the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in wild cranberries and blueberries collected from different localities of the Slovakia and to compare them with properties of six cranberry and six highbush blueberry cultivars obtained from the research centre. Compared with cultivated cranberries (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb content: 0.642, 1.496, 0.015 and 0.050 mg/kg FM) in wild fruits, higher Cu (by 37%) and lower Zn, Cd and Pb (by 8%, 7% and 44% respectively) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry method. In wild blueberries, higher Cu, Zn and Pb (by 16%, 209% and 80% respectively) and similar Cd contents were determined compared with cultivated fruits (Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb content: 0.483, 0.541, 0.003 and 0.055 mg/kg FM). The TP contents estimated by spectrophotometry using Folin–Ciocalteau reagent were in intervals 1405–3161 (cranberries) and 1300–3077 (blueberries) expressed as mg GAE/kg FM. While the average TP content determined in wild cranberries was by 31% lower than that in cultivated cranberries, in wild blueberries it was by 97% higher compared with highbush blueberry cultivars. The values of TAC determined by spectrophotometry method using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl were in range 20.67–22.22 (cranberries) and 14.03–24.79 (blueberries) expressed as mmol TE/kg FM. In wild cranberries and blueberries, the lower average TAC values compared with cultivated berries were determined (by 1% and 28%, respectively).

Accumulation and environmental risk assessment of heavy metals in soil and plants of four different ecosystems in a former polymetallic ores mining and smelting area (Slovakia).

ABSTRACT Heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in soils and plants of four different ecosystems (forest, grassland, agro and urban ecosystem) at different distances from the source of the pollution were analyzed in order to assess and compare soil contamination in the various ecosystems and determine the potential accumulation of plants depending on the place they inhabit. Correlation relationships among heavy metals in soils differ depending on the ecosystem, and between soil and plant, the heavy metals showed significant correlation for Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd) and pollution load index (PLI) were used in order to determine the level of environmental contamination of the study area. All studied ecosystems were rated as moderately contaminated (except agroecosystem, which was found as low contamination ecosystem) according to Cd and extremely polluted according to PLI. The highest pollution in both cases was found in urban ecosystem, and Cd, Cu and Fe were determined as the biggest pollutants.

Assessment of environmental and health risks in former polymetallic ore mining and smelting area, Slovakia: Spatial distribution and accumulation of mercury in four different ecosystems

Former long-term mining and smelting of pollymetallic ores in the Middle Spiš area caused a serious contamination problem of the environment with heavy metals and metalloids, especially mercury (Hg). Several studies have reported concentration of Hg in the area but this paper provides first detailed characterization of Hg contamination of different environmental components in agricultural, forest, grassland and urban ecosystems. The ecosystems are in different distances from emission sources - former mercury and copper smelting plants in NE Slovakia. Total Hg content was studied in soil/substrate samples (n = 234) and characteristic biological samples (Athyrium filix-femina (L.) Roth, Macrolepiota procera (Scop.) Singer, Boletus edulis Bull., Cyanoboletus pulverulentus (Opat.) Gelardi, Vizzini & Simonini, Triticum aestivum (L.), Poa pratensis (L.)) (n = 234) collected in the above-mentioned ecosystems. The level of contamination and environmental risks were assessed by contamination factor (Cf), index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) and potential environmental risk index (PER). To determine the level of transition of Hg from abiotic to biotic environment, bioconcentration factor (BCF) was used. To determine a health risk resulting from regular and long-term consumption of the locally available species, the results of the Hg content were compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) for Hg defined by World Health Organization. The results suggest that almost 63% of the area belong to the very high risk category and 80% of the sampling sites shown very high contamination factor. Geoaccumulation index showed that almost 30% of the area is very strongly contaminated and only 8% is not contaminated with Hg. Spearmans correlation relationship confirmed that the values of PER, BCF, Cf and Igeo decreased with an increasing distance from the pollution source. The percentage of contribution to PTWI ranged between 5.76-69.0% for adults and 11.5-138% for children. Mushroom M. procera showed the highest %PTWI among the tested biological samples. Studied ecotoxicological parameters showed high level of health risk for population living in the area. Consumption of the crops grown in the area and mainly edible wild mushrooms might negatively affect the health of the consumers in the long-term.

Biomonitoring of heavy metals contamination by mosses and lichens around Slovinky tailing pond (Slovakia)

ABSTRACT Three moss (Pleurozium spp., Polytrichum spp., and Rhytidiadelphus spp.) and two lichen (Hypogymnia physodes and Pseudevernia furfuracea) taxons covered in the bags were used to monitor air quality. Bags were exposed at the different distances from the tailing pond because of insufficient security and source of heavy metal pollution. Moss/lichen bags were exposed for six weeks at 0-, 50-, 100-, 150- and 200-m distances from Slovinky tailing pond, in the main wind direction (down the valley). Accumulation ability of heavy metals expressed by relative accumulation factor (RAF) increases in the order of Polytrichum spp.<H. physodes <Pleurozium spp.<P. furfuracea <Rhytidiadelphus spp. Moss/lichen species showed different accumulation capacity for individual heavy metals. Rhytidiadelphus spp. was found to possess the significantly highest (P < 0.01) ability to accumulate Cd, Zn, Ni, Mn and Fe. The highest RAF values of Pb, Zn, Ni and Fe were determined in samples exposed at 200-m distance from pollution source.

Gluten-free bread with an addition of freeze-dried red and purple potatoes as a source of phenolic compounds in gluten-free diet

Abstract The basis for gluten-free diet is often gluten-free bread, which is usually characterized by a low-nutritional value, and lacks any pro-health properties. Only after an introduction of gluten-free raw materials, containing high level of bioactive compounds it would be possible to obtain the product with a pro-health potential. The aim of the study was to analyze the content of bioactive compounds (total phenolic content, phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonols, anthocyanins and carotenoids) in gluten-free bread prepared with 5% addition of freeze-dried red and purple potatoes as well as to assess their antioxidant potential. Summarizing, among the analyzed gluten-free breads with an addition of freeze-dried red and purple potatoes, the best results could be obtained by using variety Magenta Love (red potato), which provided the highest levels of phenolic compounds and carotenoids and also antioxidant and antiradical activity.

Determination of heavy metals concentration in raw sheep milk from mercury polluted area.

The paper focuses on determining the content of monitored contaminants (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) in 53 samples of raw sheep milk collected in 2013 and 2014 on the sites Porac and Matejovce nad Hornadom (middle Spis). The area is characterized by historical mining and metalworking activity (mining and processing of polymetallic ores rich in Hg, Cd and Pb). Currently, the area is one of the most mercury contaminated areas in Central Europe. All statistical analyses were carried out using the statistical software Statistica 10.0 ( Statsoft, USA). Descriptive data analysis included minimum value, maximum value, arithmetic mean and standard deviation. The results of the studied contaminant content show that the limit value for cadmium (10 μg.kg -1 ) was exceeded in 25 samples. In the case of lead, the limit value of 20 μg.kg -1 was exceeded in 16 cases. The limit value for copper (0.4 mg.kg -1 ) was exceeded in one case. The limit value for zinc is not defined by a legislative standard. The risk level of the studied contaminants in the samples of raw sheep milk decreases as follows: Cd > Pb > Hg > Cu > Zn. It can be concluded that frequent and long-term consumption of the raw sheep milk originating from the studied sites poses a health risk. The content of the contaminants in the milk and their eventual transition into dairy products should be monitored over a longer term in more detail. Normal 0 21 false false false CS JA X-NONE

Antioxidant activity, phenolic content and colour of the Slovak Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Antioxidants are specific substances that oxidize themselves and in this way they protect other sensitive bioactive food components against destruction. At the same time, they restrict the activity of free radicals and change them to less active forms. Grapes and wine are a significant source of antioxidants in human nutrition. One of the most important group occuring in grapes and wines are polyphenols. Many of phenolic compounds have been reported to have multiple biological activities, including cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral and antibacterial properties attributed mainly to their antioxidant and antiradical activity. Therefore, it is important to know the content of polyphenols and their antioxidant effects in foods and beverages. Twenty-eight Cabernet Sauvignon wine samples, originated from different Slovak vineyard regions, were analyzed using spectrophotometry for the content of total polyphenols, content of total anthocyanins, antioxidant activity and wine colour density. Determined values of antioxidant activity in observed wines were within the interval 69.0 - 84.2% inhibition of DPPH (average value was 78.8% inhibition of DPPH) and total polyphenol content ranged from 1,218 to 3,444 mg gallic acid per liter (average content was 2,424 mg gallic acid.L-1). Determined total anthocyanin contents were from 68.6 to 430.7 mg.L-1 (average content was 220.6 mg.L-1) and values of wine colour density ranged from 0.756 to 2.782 (average value was 1.399). The statistical evaluation of the obtained results did not confirm any linear correlations between total polyphenol content, resp. total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. The correlations between total polyphenol content and total anthocyanin content, resp. the content of total anthocyanins and wine colour density were strong. The results confirmed very strong correlations between wine colour density and total polyphenol content, resp. antioxidant activity.

Minority cereals cultivated under loaded model conditions / Rzadkie gatunki zbóż uprawiane w warunkach obciążenia metalami ciężkimi

Abstract The aim of this work is to evaluate the extent of risk for the transfer of heavy metals from contaminated soil to selected parts of crops. The goal is to be achieved under the model conditions of vegetation pot experiment. Soil taken from the area of Výčapy-Opatovce and three types of cereals - millet (Panicum miliaceum) cv. UNIQUM, oats (Avena sativa) cv. ATEGO and amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus) - were used. For each crop, four variants (A - control with basic ferilization, B, C, D) were made and cadmium in the form of a water-soluble salt of Cd(NO3)2 was applied in gradual specific doses with 5- (variant B), 10- (variant C), 15-fold (variant D) as the limit values by Law no. 220/2004 Z.z. to assess the state of soil contamination. Crops were harvested at ‘full ripeness’ and using the AAS method (VARIAN 240FS) the heavy metal content was determined by the wet mineralization of plant samples. The lowest cadmium content in the aboveground biomass was observed in millet in comparison to other plants, while the highest was recorded in amaranth. The highest increase in the cadmium content in the aboveground biomass in this crop (appr. 18-fold) was noticed in variant C. The lowest cadmium content was also observed in millet seeds. The highest content of Cd in the seeds was recorded in oats in all variants. Streszczenie Celem pracy jest ocena zakresu narażenia na przemieszczenie metali ciężkich z zanieczyszczonej gleby na wybrane części plonów. Ocenę przeprowadzono w doświadczeniu z uprawą roślin w pojemnikach w warunkach modelowych. Zastosowano próbki gleb z obszaru Výčapy- Opatovce oraz trzy typy zbóż: proso (Panicum miliaceum) cv. UNIQUM, owies (Avena sativa) cv. ATEGO oraz szarłat (Amaranthus caudatus). Dla każdego zboża wykonano cztery warianty eksperymentu (A - wariant kontrolny z normalnym nawożeniem, B, C, i D), w których do próbek gleb dodano kadm w postaci rozpuszczalnej soli Cd(NO3)2 w ilości stopniowo wzrastających dawek: 5 (wariant B), 10 (wariant C), i 15 (wariant D) - krotności wartości granicznej ustanowionej przez Ustawę nr 220/2004 Z.z. w celu oceny stopnia zanieczyszczenia gleby. Zboża uprawiano do całkowitej dojrzałości; zawartość metali ciężkich oceniono z zastosowaniem metody AAS (VARIAN 240FS) na próbkach roślin zmineralizowanych na mokro. Najniższą zawartość kadmu w biomasie naziemnej stwierdzono dla prosa. Najwyższą zawartość kadmu w biomasie naziemnej zanotowano dla szarłatu. Najwyższy wzrost zawartości kadmu w biomasie naziemnej w tym zbożu (około 18-krotny) stwierdzono w wariancie C. Najniższą zawartość kadmu zaobserwowano także w nasionach prosa. Najwyższą zawartość kadmu w nasionach stwierdzono dla owsa we wszystkich wariantach eksperymentu.