Metals bioaccumulation by bay bolete, Xerocomus badius, from selected sites in Poland

The concentrations of 14 elements (Pb, Cd, Ag, Cu, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Fe, Zn, Na, K, Ca, Mg) were determined in fruiting bodies of bay bolete, Xerocomus badius, and the underlying soil substratum collected from northern and north-eastern Poland. The total metals content was determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), using deuterium-background correction. The caps of the mushroom examined showed greater concentrations of some metals than the stalks, and the values of the cap to stalk ratio were similar despite different sampling sites. In order to estimate the degree of accumulation of each element by mushrooms, bioconcentration factor values (BCFs) were calculated. Significant correlation coefficients (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.05) were found between concentrations of metals in the caps, stalks of Xerocomus badius and the associated soil as a substratum. Cluster analysis (CA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA) were applied to the concentration data obtained. Some spatial differences in metal concentrations, especially concerning Pb were identified.