The impact of artificial monolayers on water quality: data from tank and field trials

Abstract

In conjunction with the Logan's Storage water quality monitoring program, a tank trial was conducted using suspended physical covers to control wind speed and light intensity. The monolayer octadecanol was applied twice weekly to one tank, continuously for 4 months. An unspecified monolayer was applied at Logan's on selected days with wind less than 12m sec and no rain. Contrary to expectations, the monolayer did not increase water temperature. A condensed monolayer insulates the air-water interface, buffering water temperature from heat gain and heat loss. Phytoplankton populations in the tanks were more sensitive to changes in light intensity, water stratification, and toxins off-gassing from a new high density polyethylene liner, than the continuous application of the octadecanol monolayer. These results highlight that even under the extreme case of continuous application over four months, there was no conclusive evidence of the octadecanol monolayer adversely affecting water quality.