The etnomycological features of the city of kirklareli, the macrofungi assessed and the mineral composition of some species

This study was conducted to examine the ethnomycological characteristics of Kırklareli Province, to identify the evaluated macrofungi, and to determine the mineral compositions of certain species. The study consists of two main parts. The first part involves an ethnomycological survey and the identification of the evaluated macrofungi. In the ethnomycological study, the affective attitudes of the local population towards mushrooms were assessed, revealing a generally positive attitude. The cognitive and mythological perceptions of the local people regarding mushrooms were also investigated, and it was determined that some of their knowledge was incomplete or inaccurate. It was found that the local population primarily used the identified mushrooms as food, and approximately one-fifth of them collected mushrooms for commercial purposes. In the study area, it was identified that 18 mushroom species were used for nutritional purposes, and particularly Boletus edulis, Cantharellus cibarius, and Craterellus cornucopioides were collected for trade. The second part of the study focuses on determining the mineral compositions of certain mushroom species growing in the region. Based on the analyses conducted, it was concluded that the edible mushrooms found in the area do not pose a health risk for healthy adults; however, due to the high levels of nickel and potassium, excessive consumption should be avoided. In total, 25 mushroom samples from 14 species were analyzed for their mineral content, with 17 elements investigated. Among the analyzed elements, the highest average concentrations were found to be potassium (K) (92.2 gr/kg), magnesium (Mg) (3.6 gr/kg), zinc (Zn) (104 mg/kg), calcium (Ca) (67 mg/kg), manganese (Mn) (56 mg/kg), and copper (Cu) (46.8 mg/kg). It was concluded that educational initiatives should be carried out to address the cognitive and mythological misconceptions of the local population. Additionally, regular mineral analyses of the edible mushrooms growing in the region should be conducted to monitor the levels of potentially hazardous toxic elements.