Geochemical and Ecological Aspects of Trace Elements Content in Macrofungi

l.INTRODUCTION Fungi have important biogeochemical roles in the biosphere and are intimately involved in the cycling of elements and transformations of both organic and inorganic substrates (Gadd 2007, Fig. r). The research area of geomycology is focused on the interactions of fungi with geological environment. T^-:-. -'r | ě|ola I I K. <..'---tt-\ \ Organic acid anion Figure l. Proton- and organic acid ligand-mediated dissolution of metals of soils componets and minerals (Gadd 2004). proton release resurts in cation exchange with sorbed metal ions on clay particles, colloids etc. and metal displacement from mineral suďaces. Released metals can interact with biomass and also be taken up by other biota, and react with other environmental components. organic acids anions, e.g. citrate, may cause mineral dissolution or removal by complex formation. Metal complexes can interact with biota as well as environmental constituents. In some circumstances, complex formation may be followed by crystalization, e.g. metal oxalate formation. Many macrofungal species (macromycetes, mushrooms) are capable of accumulating high concentrations of certain trace elements (includini hear,y tr \ \ -=-r Hm Mgt- metals, noble metals and metalloids) in fruit-bodies and thereby affect elemental geochemical cycling. Many studies..