Systems to control the air–water interface to reduce evaporation from water storages

Abstract

Key findings »» Applying a monolayer of ethylene glycol monooctadecyl ether polymer reduced evaporation by 50%–60% under small scale, controlled environmental conditions. »» Under field situations its efficacy is significantly reduced and produces inconsistent results with evaporation savings of less than 10%. »»Windy conditions and/or a decrease in the polymer’s longevity on the water surface under field situations probably cause this reduced effectiveness.