Radionuclide Activity Concentrations of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus Mushrooms Cultivated in Different Commercial Companies

Abstract

In this study it was determined the specific activities of some important radionuclides such as thorium (232Th), uranium (238U), potassium (40K) and cesium (137Cs), accumulated in Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus ostreatus commercial mushrooms and in their compost. Additionally, the annual effective dose received by individuals was calculated. 137Cs activity was not detected. In both mushroom species obtained from different firms; the specific activity concentration of 232Th, 238U, 40K ranged from 2.1 ± 0.2 to 9.2 ± 0.7, 14.6 ± 1.3 to 26.6 ± 1.8 and 330.4 ± 18.3 to 739.7 ± 25.2 Bq/kg, respectively and in their compost 11.0 ± 0.6 to 19.1 ± 0.9, 27.8 ± 1.2 to 45.1 ± 2.7, 126.7 ± 5.2 to 304.5 ± 12.7 Bq/kg, respectively. Among the Agaricus species, the highest 232Th and 238U activity concentration was seen in the mushroom obtained from D firm. The highest 40K activity concentration was detected in the mushroom provided from A firm. The lowest 238U and the the highest 232Th concentrations were in Pleurotus ostreatus. In conclusion, all investigated parameters revealed that there was no any health risk in both mushroom species cultivated in different firms.