Changes in Gram-Negative Bacteria and Endotoxin in Stored Bales of Lint

Abstract

Cotton subjected to several harvesting and ginning treatments was stored in a warehouse for six months. The bales of lint were sampled during ginning and the storage period and the samples analyzed for gram-negative bacteria and endotoxin content. Levels of gram-negative bacteria decreased during the storage period; however, no trends were observed in the endotoxin levels. Gram-negative bacteria levels were highest for the bales of lint that contained the highest levels of moisture and foreign matter.