Assessment of heavy metal contamination and pesticide residues in fruitbodies, cultivation substrate, and spent mushroom substrate of Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler for sustainable applications
摘要
Lentinula edodes is valued for its nutritional and medicinal benefits, yet concerns remain regarding heavy metal and pesticide contamination. This study assessed five strains (DMRO-34, DMRO-35, DMRO-356, DMRO-388s, and DMRO-623) for food safety and reuse potential of spent mushroom substrate (SMS). ICP-MS analysis showed SMS contained Pb (0.0909–0.1636 mg/kg), Cd (0.03–0.09 mg/kg), Hg (0.0444–0.0667 mg/kg), As (0.0533–0.2667 mg/kg), and Ni (0.0286–0.0714 mg/kg), all within WHO/FAO limits. Fruiting bodies exhibited minimal transfer (< 0.20 mg/kg), confirming safe consumption. Pesticide residues were below detection (< 0.01 mg/kg). Strain-specific SMS variation was observed, with DMRO-356 showing the highest nitrogen depletion (0.95%). Lignocellulosic degradation ranged for cellulose (34.8–41.4%), hemicellulose (25.6–31.3%), and lignin (26.4–27.3%). Multivariate analyses (PCA, HCA) revealed distinct strain clustering, linking heavy metal uptake with biodegradation efficiency, highlighting DMRO-356 and DMRO-388s as superior for bioremediation and bioenergy applications. A comparative economic evaluation indicated composting as a low-cost, agronomically beneficial reuse option, while biofuel production offered higher economic returns; a hybrid pathway was recommended to maximize SMS valorization. Overall, the study demonstrates both food safety of L. edodes and sustainable reuse of SMS, supporting circular bioeconomy strategies in agriculture and industry.