Assessment of Oyster Mushrooms Found on Polluted Soil for Consumption

Abstract

Aim: A simulation experiment was carried out in which oyster mushrooms ( Pleurotus pulmonarius ) was grown on used engine oil. This study was designed to evaluate the remnant hydrocarbon in the sporophore (fruiting body) of Pleurotus pulmonarius and to assess its suitability for human consumption. Method: The mycelia of the mushroom were used to inoculate Spent Engine Oil (SEO, 10% (v/w)) polluted soil. After four weeks of incubation, fruiting bodies growing on the polluted soil were analyzed for remnant hydrocarbon profile. Results: Results showed that total Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) was 10 mg/kg and Aliphatic Hydrocarbon (AH) was 23 mg/kg. The hydrocarbon profile indicated some AH and PAH were within the non-cancer reference dose while a few others were above the non-cancer daily reference dose range. Conclusion: The detection of some hydrocarbon profile above the non-cancer daily reference dose makes the test-mushroom used for bioremediation not safe for human consumption. This underscores the need for caution in consuming mushrooms found in oil polluted environment.