Relative distribution of minerals in the pileus and stalk of some selected edible mushrooms

The mineral contents of seven species of edible mushrooms were investigated in this study. Four out of the seven species of edible mushrooms were studied in parts, i.e. the pileus and stalk while the other three species were studied as whole mushroom (no distinct stalk and pileus). In all the four species studied, only six (Na, As, Rb, Sb, Zn and Co) elements were found to be distributed in both the pileus and stalk. The elements Mn, Na, Rb, Fe and Zn are present in large quantities, i.e. at levels of 10 mg/kg and above. It was also observed that there is an obvious inverse relationship between the Na and Rb concentrations, notably in the species P. sajor-caju, A. bisporus and L. edodes. The average distribution ratio of minerals in the pileus and stalk for all the four species showed that the mineralʹs ‘preferred residence’ is in the pileus, with the exception of Sb.