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This study investigates multi-element composition of soil, mosses and mushrooms from a pristine temperate rainforest (Prašnik, Croatia). Additionally, the activity levels of natural ( 238 U, 235 U and 232 Th decay chains, 40 K and 7 Be) and anthropogenic ( 137 Cs and 134 Cs) radionuclides in the investigated soil samples, obtained by gamma spectrometry, provide baseline of environmental radioactivity levels in this area. The aim of investigation was to explore the uptake of metal(loid)s by bioindicator species (mosses, mushrooms) growing in a pristine environment characterized by naturally elevated concentration of metals. The calculated enrichment and bioaccumulation factors, correlations between different groups of elements and similar multi-element patterns in mosses, mushrooms and soil samples revealed the prevailing influence of the local substrate geochemistry on element concentrations in mosses and mushrooms. The results suggest atmospheric deposition of Bi, Cd and Pb, while radionuclide activities point to atmospheric fall-out (including global contamination by radiocaesium) and influence of the pedological substrate. The confined area of investigation, with limited variations in soil characteristics and geological composition, allowed clearer insight into the origin of metal(loid)s in mosses and mushrooms. On the other hand, using bioindicator species with different element uptake mechanisms enabled distinction between different sources of elements., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The present study aims to investigate levels and distribution of rare earth elements (REE) in soils, mosses and mushrooms of a pristine temperate rainforest, a non-polluted natural system, in order to characterise their environmental availability and mobility. The multielement analysis of digested soil, moss and mushroom samples was performed by High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The distribution of rare earths in mosses and mushrooms was found primarily affected by local pedological setting. Mosses displayed a consistent lithological signature with an almost insignificant REE fractionation compared to soils. Mushrooms showed differences in REE concentrations in certain parts of the fruiting body with regard to their main physiological function and indicated a significant impact of soil organic content on the overall REEs uptake. Results of our work highlight the importance of substrate characteristics on the initial levels of REEs in mosses and mushrooms. Moreover, this study provides baseline data on the rare earth element levels in mosses and mushrooms growing in a pristine forest area characterised by naturally elevated REE levels in the soil., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)