RPE liners can have a slight impact on pond temperature and light penetration in algae farming. The reflective surface of RPE may reduce heat absorption from sunlight, potentially keeping the water temperature slightly lower than it would be in an open, unlined pond. However, this temperature effect is generally minimal and can actually benefit algae growth by preventing overheating
In terms of light penetration, RPE liners are usually opaque, which means they block some light from reaching the water. This can slightly reduce the amount of sunlight available for photosynthesis, but this effect is often manageable through proper system design, such as ensuring the algae culture has access to adequate light from the surface or artificial lighting. The benefits of using RPE liners, such as preventing contamination and reducing water loss, typically outweigh these minor effects on temperature and light.