Metal analysis of cotton

Authors: Fortier, Chanel; ZUMBA, JIMMY - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE); Rodgers Iii, James; Peralta, Donna; French, Andrew

Submitted to: National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/22/2016
Publication Date: 5/18/2016
Citation: Fortier, C.A., Zumba, J., Rodgers III, J.E., Peralta, D.V., French, A.N. 2016. Metal analysis of cotton. Proceedings of the National Cotton Council Beltwide Cotton Conference, January 5-7, 2016, New Orleans, Louisiana. p. 913-916.

Interpretive Summary: Metal analysis is of interest to the scientific community for the role it plays in cotton development and processing. Iron and copper have been shown to affect dyeing by forming insoluble metal-dye complexes. Potassium has been shown to affect cotton development and is usually found in the highest abundance of all the metals. Seven varieties were analyzed for 8 metals ions using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. The metals analyzed on the surface of cottons were K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn. The cotton varieties were all grown in the same field in Maricopa, AZ. As a proof of concept, the metal parameters were compared to the cotton quality parameters found using the High Volume Instrument (HVI).

Technical Abstract: Seven varieties of cotton were investigated for 8 metal ions (K, Na, Mg, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy. All of the varieties were grown at the same location. Half of the samples were dry (rain fed only) and the other were well-watered (irrigated). A statistical analysis was performed to probe the existence of correlations between metal ions and HVI cotton quality parameters. The results suggest that one variety, Acala 1517, had a linear relationship with micronaire and strength in the presence of potassium.