A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy)

Eugenio Borghi; Luigi Rinaldi; Emidio Borghi; Doriana Borghi; Cinzia De Luca; Filippo Galli; Fabrizio Negri

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15

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A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy)

Eugenio Borghi^*

, Luigi Rinaldi, Emidio Borghi

, Doriana Borghi, Cinzia De Luca, Filippo Galli, Fabrizio Negri

Published in International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (Volume 11, Issue 3)

Received: 30 March 2026 Accepted: 6 May 2026 Published: 22 September 2026

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Abstract

This work, with clear environmental objectives, describes the mycological and chemical-analytical activity carried out over a decade (2002-2011) in a pristine valley of the Apennines after the establishment of first-class unhealthy industries which, unfortunately, at the time did not have all the technical measures in force nor did the control bodies have the necessary tools (for example drones). The research aimed to quantify Pb and Cd in fungi, known metal accumulators already used after Chernobyl to detect Cesium 134 and Cesium 137. Cd and Pb are two toxic heavy metals regulated by EU regulations with with very specific limits. To better assess contamination, we took into account climatic factors, prevailing winds and landform to reach our conclusions. Collections and determinations (mycological and chemical) of the mushrooms were performed according to ISO 17025. It should be highlighted immediately that for reasons of space and to make reading less demanding, only values exceeding EU limits are shown and the comparison is limited to the first two years of monitoring and the last 3 years. The work demonstrates the need for careful environmental assessment by Municipal or District Technical Offices to be compared with that presented by industries intending to establish themselves in the area.

Published in	International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology (Volume 11, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15
Page(s)	134-150
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Contamination, Lead, Cadmium, Mushrooms, Order, Family, Genus, Species

References

[1]	ISS/Roma- Rapporti ISTISAN 96/36.
[2]	EFSA/ Efsa Journals 20/03/2009.
[3]	EFSA/ Efsa Journals 20/04/2010.
[4]	ISS-Salute/ Cd, Published: October 24, 2018 - Last updated: November 3, 2020/ Rome.
[5]	ISS-Salute/ Pb, Published: October 24, 2018 - Last updated: November 3, 2020/ Rome.
[6]	M. M. Moser: Guida alla determinazione dei Funghi/ Ed.Saturnia (TN) 1980.
[7]	D. Borghi, E. Borghi, G. Curti: A health and hygiene problem related to the consumption of mushrooms - Micologia e Vegetazione Mediterranea, Vol. XI, n.1 /Ed. GEMA, AVEZZANO (AQ – Italy)), 1966.
[8]	A. A. VV.: Funga Nordica / Ed. NORDSVAMP-COPENHAGEN (Denmark), 2008.
[9]	L.Vescovi & L.Cocchi: Considerations on the content of chemical elements in fungi. Silver, cadmium, mercury and lead in the genus Agaricus, published by Researchgate, 1997.
[10]	USER Manual -DIGIprep-Digestio Block/SCP Science, 2001.
[11]	AOAC: The AOAC 2000 Official Methods of Analysis 17th Edition.
[12]	M.Sarnari: Genus Russula in Europe (vol.I-, Ed. AMB/TN-Italy, 1998.
[13]	M.Sarnari: Genus Russula in Europe (vol.-II, Ed. AMB/TN-Italy, 2005.
[14]	A.Cappelli: Agaricus - Fungi Europaei (Ed. Candusso /Saronno- Italy 1984.
[15]	P.Neville&S.Poumarat: Amaniteae - Fungi Europaei (Ed. Candussso /Saronno- Italy 2004.

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APA Style

Borghi, E., Rinaldi, L., Borghi, E., Borghi, D., Luca, C. D., et al. (2026). A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy). International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 11(3), 134-150. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15

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ACS Style

Borghi, E.; Rinaldi, L.; Borghi, E.; Borghi, D.; Luca, C. D., et al. A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy). Int. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2026, 11(3), 134-150. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15

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AMA Style

Borghi E, Rinaldi L, Borghi E, Borghi D, Luca CD, et al. A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy). Int J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2026;11(3):134-150. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15,
  author = {Eugenio Borghi and Luigi Rinaldi and Emidio Borghi and Doriana Borghi and Cinzia De Luca and Filippo Galli and Fabrizio Negri},
  title = {A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy)},
  journal = {International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {3},
  pages = {134-150},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmb.20261103.15},
  abstract = {This work, with clear environmental objectives, describes the mycological and chemical-analytical activity carried out over a decade (2002-2011) in a pristine valley of the Apennines after the establishment of first-class unhealthy industries which, unfortunately, at the time did not have all the technical measures in force nor did the control bodies have the necessary tools (for example drones). The research aimed to quantify Pb and Cd in fungi, known metal accumulators already used after Chernobyl to detect Cesium 134 and Cesium 137. Cd and Pb are two toxic heavy metals regulated by EU regulations with with very specific limits. To better assess contamination, we took into account climatic factors, prevailing winds and landform to reach our conclusions. Collections and determinations (mycological and chemical) of the mushrooms were performed according to ISO 17025. It should be highlighted immediately that for reasons of space and to make reading less demanding, only values exceeding EU limits are shown and the comparison is limited to the first two years of monitoring and the last 3 years. The work demonstrates the need for careful environmental assessment by Municipal or District Technical Offices to be compared with that presented by industries intending to establish themselves in the area.},
 year = {2026}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy)
AU  - Eugenio Borghi
AU  - Luigi Rinaldi
AU  - Emidio Borghi
AU  - Doriana Borghi
AU  - Cinzia De Luca
AU  - Filippo Galli
AU  - Fabrizio Negri
Y1  - 2026/09/22
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15
T2  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JF  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JO  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
SP  - 134
EP  - 150
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9686
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15
AB  - This work, with clear environmental objectives, describes the mycological and chemical-analytical activity carried out over a decade (2002-2011) in a pristine valley of the Apennines after the establishment of first-class unhealthy industries which, unfortunately, at the time did not have all the technical measures in force nor did the control bodies have the necessary tools (for example drones). The research aimed to quantify Pb and Cd in fungi, known metal accumulators already used after Chernobyl to detect Cesium 134 and Cesium 137. Cd and Pb are two toxic heavy metals regulated by EU regulations with with very specific limits. To better assess contamination, we took into account climatic factors, prevailing winds and landform to reach our conclusions. Collections and determinations (mycological and chemical) of the mushrooms were performed according to ISO 17025. It should be highlighted immediately that for reasons of space and to make reading less demanding, only values exceeding EU limits are shown and the comparison is limited to the first two years of monitoring and the last 3 years. The work demonstrates the need for careful environmental assessment by Municipal or District Technical Offices to be compared with that presented by industries intending to establish themselves in the area.
VL  - 11
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Eugenio Borghi

Chemical Department, Analytical Snc, Borgotaro, Parma, Italy

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0006-0908-0803
Luigi Rinaldi

Mycological Department, AUSL (Local Health Authority), Parma, Italy
Emidio Borghi

Scientific Department, Center of Studies on Mediterranean Flora, Parma, Italy

http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1974-2955
Doriana Borghi

Chemical Department, Analytical Snc, Borgotaro, Parma, Italy
Cinzia De Luca

Mycological Department, AUSL (Local Health Authority), Parma, Italy
Filippo Galli

Mycological Department, AUSL (Local Health Authority), Parma, Italy
Fabrizio Negri

Mycological Department, AUSL (Local Health Authority), Parma, Italy

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APA Style

Borghi, E., Rinaldi, L., Borghi, E., Borghi, D., Luca, C. D., et al. (2026). A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy). International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 11(3), 134-150. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15

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ACS Style

Borghi, E.; Rinaldi, L.; Borghi, E.; Borghi, D.; Luca, C. D., et al. A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy). Int. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2026, 11(3), 134-150. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15

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AMA Style

Borghi E, Rinaldi L, Borghi E, Borghi D, Luca CD, et al. A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy). Int J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2026;11(3):134-150. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15,
  author = {Eugenio Borghi and Luigi Rinaldi and Emidio Borghi and Doriana Borghi and Cinzia De Luca and Filippo Galli and Fabrizio Negri},
  title = {A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy)},
  journal = {International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology},
  volume = {11},
  number = {3},
  pages = {134-150},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmb.20261103.15},
  abstract = {This work, with clear environmental objectives, describes the mycological and chemical-analytical activity carried out over a decade (2002-2011) in a pristine valley of the Apennines after the establishment of first-class unhealthy industries which, unfortunately, at the time did not have all the technical measures in force nor did the control bodies have the necessary tools (for example drones). The research aimed to quantify Pb and Cd in fungi, known metal accumulators already used after Chernobyl to detect Cesium 134 and Cesium 137. Cd and Pb are two toxic heavy metals regulated by EU regulations with with very specific limits. To better assess contamination, we took into account climatic factors, prevailing winds and landform to reach our conclusions. Collections and determinations (mycological and chemical) of the mushrooms were performed according to ISO 17025. It should be highlighted immediately that for reasons of space and to make reading less demanding, only values exceeding EU limits are shown and the comparison is limited to the first two years of monitoring and the last 3 years. The work demonstrates the need for careful environmental assessment by Municipal or District Technical Offices to be compared with that presented by industries intending to establish themselves in the area.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - A Hygiene and Health Problem: Lead and Cadmium in Wild Edible Mushrooms in an Apennine Valley of the Northwest Emilia (Italy)
AU  - Eugenio Borghi
AU  - Luigi Rinaldi
AU  - Emidio Borghi
AU  - Doriana Borghi
AU  - Cinzia De Luca
AU  - Filippo Galli
AU  - Fabrizio Negri
Y1  - 2026/09/22
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15
T2  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JF  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
JO  - International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
SP  - 134
EP  - 150
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-9686
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmb.20261103.15
AB  - This work, with clear environmental objectives, describes the mycological and chemical-analytical activity carried out over a decade (2002-2011) in a pristine valley of the Apennines after the establishment of first-class unhealthy industries which, unfortunately, at the time did not have all the technical measures in force nor did the control bodies have the necessary tools (for example drones). The research aimed to quantify Pb and Cd in fungi, known metal accumulators already used after Chernobyl to detect Cesium 134 and Cesium 137. Cd and Pb are two toxic heavy metals regulated by EU regulations with with very specific limits. To better assess contamination, we took into account climatic factors, prevailing winds and landform to reach our conclusions. Collections and determinations (mycological and chemical) of the mushrooms were performed according to ISO 17025. It should be highlighted immediately that for reasons of space and to make reading less demanding, only values exceeding EU limits are shown and the comparison is limited to the first two years of monitoring and the last 3 years. The work demonstrates the need for careful environmental assessment by Municipal or District Technical Offices to be compared with that presented by industries intending to establish themselves in the area.
VL  - 11
IS  - 3
ER  -

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