Though the presence of metal cations in raw cotton fiber has been well documented in previous studies, little information exists in the literature regarding the relative proportions of these metals in or on the different structural components of the fiber. Such information may prove useful in attempts to increase the processing efficiency of the various stages involved in the conversion of lint into finished fabric. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) attempt to delineate the relative proportions of 8 different metals present as water soluble salts on the surfaces of the fiber, as crosslinking agents within the pectin component of the fiber, and as complexed cations within the cellulose matrix, and (2) determine differences in metal contents due to regional, varietal, or environmental effects. Two cotton varieties were grown in three growing locations across the cotton belt over two consecutive crop years. Each of the 12 samples were subjected to water extraction, scouring, and finally acid digestion, with the three solutions subsequently analyzed for metal content. Results indicate that different metal profiles exist in the different structural components of the fiber, and that these metal contents may be affected by environmental conditions and fiber maturity.
