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Background and purpose: Mushrooms are highly nutritive, since they are low in calories and contain significant amounts of vegetative proteins, vitamins, minerals, amino acid, and fiber. Mushrooms might be contaminated by heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, etc. This contamination depends on type of mushrooms, their physiology, and ecosystem. The present study aimed at determining the amount of lead, cadmium and chromium in edible mushrooms disturbed in the city of Sari (north of Iran). Material and methods: This study was done in laboratory on 108 samples of commercial mushrooms widely found in supermarkets in Sari. They were coded 1 to 6 and their stem and cap were studied. Finally, the amount of lead, cadmium, and chromium were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Results: The concentrations of lead and cadmium were found to be less than standard levels recommended by Codex guidelines. But the amount of chromium in all samples was observed to be more than Codex standards (20 mg/kg). The Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) for chromium in cap was similar to standard levels while this was lower in stem. Conclusion: High concentrations of chromium could be due to high levels of that found in composts used for growing mushrooms or contaminated water.

Keywords: Edible mushroom, lead, chromium, cadmium, Sari

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