How are plastic sheets typically secured in place?

Plastic sheets, often used in aquatic environments for various purposes such as weed control or to minimize evaporation, are typically secured in place through the use of stakes or are weighted down with materials such as sand and gravel. This method ensures that the plastic remains in position even in the presence of water movement or wind, preventing it from floating away or becoming dislodged.

Stakes can be driven into the ground or substrate, providing a stable anchoring point for the edges of the plastic sheet. Alternatively, weights from sand or gravel can be distributed along the edges, creating sufficient tension and resistance against external forces to hold the plastic securely. This technique is practical, easily implemented, and allows for adjustments as necessary.

The other methods, such as chemical adhesion or submerging, are less common or not suitable for the purpose of effectively securing plastic sheets in outdoor or aquatic environments. Chemical adhesion may not provide the flexibility required for the often changing conditions of aquatic environments, while submerging the sheets could defeat their intended purpose, such as light blockage or surface covering. Using anchors and floats could work for certain applications but is not the standard practice for securing plastic sheets in open water or similar settings.