Is the water disinfection by-product dichloroacetic acid biosynthesized in the edible mushroom Russula nigricans?

We report the first halogen speciation analysis study by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with inductively plasma tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICPMS/MS) in fruiting bodies of various mushroom species. Non-targeted revealed occurrence dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) edible Russula nigricans. Multiple samples this (n = 5) collected from different geographic non-industrial regions two countries confirmed consistent presence species at a relatively narrow concentration range (23–37 mg kg−1), whereas no other chlorinated acetic (e.g. chloroacetic and trichloroacetic acid) was detected. Neither DCAA nor any were detected investigated present study, including seven same genus Russula, even though all mushrooms regions. Together previously reported biological activities DCAA, these findings collectively suggest biosynthesis compound as an explanation for its dominant R. nigricans, constitute example natural over acids living organism. This may warrant change our view nature, where primarily considered pollutant arising water disinfection.