Abstract
The mercury content of 236 species of wild mushrooms was determined by flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. Of each species several samples-altogether 616-were tested. The mercury content was between 0.04 and 21.60 mg/kg dry weight, equivalent to 0.002 and 3.090 mg/kg fresh weight. The mercury content was clearly species-dependent. Mercury-rich species particularly were found inTricholomataceae, Agaricaceae andLycoperdaceae, whereas inBoletaceae, Amanitaceae andRussulaceae mercury-rich species were rather rare. There was a considerable variability within species, too; hence, other factors, yet unknown, must also determine the mercury content. Geographical influences were not demonstrable. All mushrooms grown on wood had a very low mercury content. Storing over serveral years did not diminish the mercury content of dried mushrooms. The highest mercury content was found in a poisonous mushroom, but on the average, poisonous mushrooms contained less mercury than edible ones. Der Hg-Gehalt von 236 Arten wildgewachsener höherer Pilze lag zwischen 0,04 und 21,60 mg/kg Trockengewicht entsprechend 0,002 bis 3,090 mg/kg Frischpilz und war speciesabhängig. Da auch innerhalb einer Art der Hg-Gehalt stark streute, müssen weitere, noch unbekannte Faktoren ihn mitbestimmen. Besonders niedrig war der Hg-Gehalt von Pilzen, die auf Holz gewachsen waren. Durch mehrjährige Lagerung nahm der Hg-Gehalt getrockneter Pilze nicht ab. Giftpilze enthielten nur ausnahmsweise mehr Hg als Speisepilze.

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