Correlation between the distribution of lignin and pectin and distribution of sorbed metal ions (lead and zinc) on coir (Cocos nucifera L.)

The metal ions were mainly loaded on the xylem and cell walls facing the lacuna, maybe with an additional trend to be loaded on the large fibres. Lead was distributed on and across the whole secondary wall. Zinc was loaded on the secondary walls, but there was no information about the distribution across the wall. If there is a simple correlation between the loading of metal ions and the distribution of lignin or pectin, these investigations point at no correlation with lignin and a positive correlation with pectin. It has to be stressed that these conclusions are made on limited material and are therefore preliminary in nature.