Ethan Clarke
In 2015, a video of 96 million black plastic balls being dumped into the Los Angeles Reservoir went viral. The balls, also known as shade balls, were introduced to improve water quality and save water. While evaporation was not the original reason for their use, they do help to reduce evaporation by 80 to 90%. The black colour of the balls is due to the addition of carbon black, which helps to stabilise them in UV light and deflect ultraviolet rays.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main purpose | To improve water quality and save water |
| Original purpose | To stop carcinogens |
| Cost | $34.5 million |
| Number of balls | 96 million |
| Water saved | 300 million gallons of water a year |
| Cost of water saved | $2 million at current rates |
| Colour | Black |
| Composition | Polyethylene, Carbon black |
| Shape | Spheres |
| Size | 4-inch diameter, 100mm |
| UV resistance | Yes |
| Lifespan | 10 years |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The black colour of the plastic balls helps to deflect UV rays
- The balls are made of polyethylene, a durable and UV-resistant material
- The balls reduce evaporation by covering the water's surface
- They also prevent the growth of algae and harmful chemicals
- The shade balls are cost-effective and easy to install
The black colour of the plastic balls helps to deflect UV rays
Shade balls are small plastic spheres that float on the surface of water bodies, primarily reservoirs, to prevent water loss due to evaporation. They are typically black and made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with a carbon black additive. This additive is crucial to protecting the plastic from degradation by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The black colour of the plastic balls, enhanced by the carbon black additive, helps to deflect UV rays, thereby reducing the formation of harmful chemicals and by-products in the water.
UV radiation from sunlight can interact with certain chemicals present in water bodies, leading to the production of by-products that may be harmful. For instance, sunlight reacting with treated water, chlorine, or bromine can result in the formation of bromate, a suspected human carcinogen. By deflecting UV rays, the black shade balls prevent these harmful chemical reactions from occurring.
The black colour of the plastic balls also contributes to their overall effectiveness in reducing evaporation. By blocking direct sunlight, the shade balls decrease the amount of heat energy absorbed by the water. This, in turn, slows down the movement of water molecules, leading to reduced evaporation rates. The black colour ensures that a significant amount of sunlight is reflected or absorbed by the balls themselves, thereby reducing the heat transfer to the water.
In addition to their UV-deflecting properties, the black shade balls also minimise wind contact with the water surface. Wind plays a crucial role in accelerating the evaporation process. By covering the water's surface, the shade balls create a barrier that disrupts the wind's direct interaction with the water, further contributing to reduced evaporation rates.
While the black colour of the plastic balls is essential to their function, it is important to note that the use of shade balls in reservoirs has been subject to debate. Some critics argue that the water required to manufacture the plastic balls may outweigh the water saved through their use. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the potential long-term environmental impact of using plastic materials, including the possibility of degradation and water contamination.
Americans' Stance on Banning Plastics: Exploring Preferences and Politics
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The balls are made of polyethylene, a durable and UV-resistant material
The black plastic balls used to prevent evaporation are made of polyethylene, a durable and UV-resistant material. Polyethylene is a common plastic that can be found in everyday items like milk jugs. The balls are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and are designed to be long-lasting and durable.
The addition of carbon black to the polyethylene is a key factor in the balls' effectiveness. Carbon black is a strong additive that helps to deflect and block ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching the water. This is important because UV radiation can cause various issues, including the stimulation of algae growth and the formation of harmful by-products and chemicals, such as bromate, a suspected human carcinogen. By blocking these rays, the black plastic balls help to address two of the main causes of water evaporation in reservoirs: temperature and surface area.
The black colour of the balls is not just a coincidence or an aesthetic choice. It is the carbon black additive that gives them their distinctive dark hue. This colour is chosen because black is the only colour that can effectively deflect UV rays, according to Paul Sachdev, president of Orange Products. The black colour also helps to absorb light, preventing it from scattering and transmitting into the water below, which could continue to stimulate algae growth.
The combination of polyethylene and carbon black in the black plastic balls creates a durable and UV-resistant material that is well-suited for the task of preventing evaporation and addressing the associated environmental concerns. The design of these balls appears to be a thoughtful approach to optimizing both their lifespan and functionality.
The Weeknd's Transformation: Exploring Plastic Surgery Speculation
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The balls reduce evaporation by covering the water's surface
The black plastic balls, also known as "shade balls", are an innovative and eco-friendly solution to prevent water evaporation. They are designed to float on the water surface, covering approximately 90% of the area. By doing so, they reduce evaporation by blocking sunlight and UV rays from reaching the water. This, in turn, helps to inhibit the growth of algae and reduce the formation of harmful chemicals.
The use of these shade balls has been particularly prominent in reservoirs, such as the Los Angeles Reservoir, where 96 million balls were dumped to combat water loss due to evaporation. The balls are made from polyethylene, a durable and UV-resistant material, ensuring long-lasting performance. Their carbon black colour is essential to deflecting ultraviolet rays, preventing them from penetrating the water and causing chemical reactions that lead to the production of carcinogens and promoting algae growth.
The implementation of shade balls has been touted as a cost-effective method to combat evaporation and improve water quality. They are easy to install, providing continuous coverage that adapts to the liquid level. However, there are also concerns about the potential ecological impact of these plastic balls, especially if they fragment into microplastics over time. Additionally, the cost of the shade balls in the Los Angeles Reservoir was $34.5 million, while the saved water was valued at only $2 million.
While the shade balls have received mixed reactions, they have undoubtedly played a role in reducing evaporation by covering the water's surface. Their ability to block sunlight and UV rays, coupled with their durability and adaptability, makes them a unique solution to water conservation and quality management. However, it is essential to consider their potential drawbacks and long-term environmental impact when deploying them as a water-saving strategy.
Best Adhesives for Plastic: Ultimate Guide to Glues
You may want to see also
Explore related products
They also prevent the growth of algae and harmful chemicals
The black plastic balls, also known as "shade balls", are used to prevent the growth of algae and harmful chemicals. The balls are coated with a chemical that blocks ultraviolet light, which helps to reduce algae growth and prevents toxic chemical reactions. The black colour of the balls is due to the presence of carbon black, which is added to stabilize the balls in UV light and prevent UV rays from reaching the water. This reduces the formation of harmful chemicals, such as bromate, a carcinogen that forms when sunlight reacts with treated water and naturally occurring bromine.
The use of shade balls in reservoirs has been a controversial topic, with some questioning their effectiveness in reducing evaporation and their potential ecological impact. However, supporters of the technology argue that shade balls can improve water quality and save water, especially during droughts.
While the balls may reduce evaporation, their primary purpose is to prevent the growth of algae and the formation of harmful chemicals. By blocking sunlight and UV rays, the shade balls create an environment that is less conducive to algae growth and reduces the occurrence of photoinduced chemical reactions that can lead to the production of carcinogenic chemicals.
The black colour of the balls is crucial to their function, as it allows them to absorb or reflect light, including UV rays, more effectively than balls of other colours. This helps to prevent the stimulation of algae growth and the production of harmful chemicals. The carbon black additive is also designed to be non-toxic and not harmful to the water supply if it leaches out of the plastic.
In addition to preventing the growth of algae and harmful chemicals, the use of shade balls can also reduce the need for chlorine treatment in water supplies, as algae growth is inhibited. This further contributes to the improvement of water quality and the reduction of potential health risks associated with treated water.
Lawn Mower Carburetors: Plastic or Metal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The shade balls are cost-effective and easy to install
Shade balls are a cost-effective solution for preventing evaporation and improving water quality. In 2015, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) opted to use shade balls over other, more expensive covers for the city's largest reservoir. The alternative covers would have cost an extra $250 million. The LADWP's decision to use shade balls instead of more costly options is an example of how these floating balls can be a more affordable choice for water conservation.
While the initial cost of producing shade balls can be high, they are designed to be durable and long-lasting. The shade balls used in the Los Angeles project, for instance, are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with carbon black additive to protect the plastic from ultraviolet radiation. This material is resistant to degradation and can withstand various environmental conditions, giving the balls a lifespan of up to ten years. The plastic may even be reused after this period.
The installation process for shade balls is straightforward and does not require any specialized construction or infrastructure. They are simply dropped into the water body and immediately begin providing continuous coverage. The balls naturally restack themselves, conforming to the shape of the reservoir, and can double or single stack depending on the water level. This adaptability makes them a flexible option for water bodies with fluctuating water levels.
Additionally, shade balls are versatile and can be used in various water bodies, including reservoirs, ponds, and tanks. They are particularly effective in regions with high evaporation rates, helping to retain precious water supplies. For communities that rely on reservoirs for farming, agriculture, or household water sources, shade balls can be a valuable tool in water conservation, potentially improving crop yields and avoiding the effects of water rationing during droughts.
Face Shields: Face Covering or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Black plastic balls are hollow balls made from high-density polyethylene, which is the same material found in a one-gallon milk jug. They are also known as "shade balls".
Black plastic balls prevent evaporation by taking up the surface area of a body of water, such as a reservoir, and blocking sunlight from reaching the water. This helps to reduce algae growth and prevent UV rays from hitting the water.
Black plastic balls have been used in the Los Angeles Reservoir in California.
Black plastic balls can reduce evaporation by 80 to 90%. However, some sources claim that the water savings from the shade balls will likely be less than 300 million gallons during years when there is no drought.
Black plastic balls are used instead of white plastic balls because black is the only colour strong enough to deflect ultraviolet rays. White plastic balls scatter rather than absorb light, allowing UV light to be transmitted into the water.
