Effect of some heavy metals on the growth and development of Pleurotus tuber-regium.

The effects of five heavy metals (cadmium, copper, mercury, lead and zinc) on the growth and fruit body production in Pleurotus tuber-regium was investigated. Lead sulphate, zinc sulphate, copper sulphate, cadmium nitrate and mercury chloride were added to garden soil at concentrations of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mmol per 3 kg of soil. Sclerotia of the test mushroom were used to inoculate the artificially contaminated soil. Mercury prevented growth and fruit body production in P. tuber-regium. Fungal morphometry was greatly affected by lead. The heavy metal content in the fungal biomass complex increased with increase of heavy metal concentration in the soil. The highest concentration (183.06 mg/kg) was found in zinc at 2 mmol/L.