Variations in elemental and isotopic compositions of Cu, Zn, and Cd in mushrooms: are they site- or species-dependent?

Elemental and isotopic compositions of Cu, Zn, and Cd in Imleria badia mushrooms are more species-dependent than site-dependent, with site-dependent Cd concentrations observed only for Cd.

• Why it matters: Understanding how elemental and isotopic variations relate to species and environment helps clarify metal uptake mechanisms in fungi, which is important for ecological and biogeochemical studies.
• What they did: The study analyzed Cu, Zn, and Cd concentrations and isotopic ratios in mushrooms and soils from six sites with different bedrock types, measuring δ65Cu, δ66Zn, and δ114Cd values and their fractionation during uptake and translocation.
• The result: Findings show mushrooms preferentially uptake isotopically heavier Zn, Cd, and Cu, with minimal within-mushroom isotopic fractionation, indicating that elemental and isotopic differences are primarily influenced by species rather than site.