Various factors, including the type of urn, water movement, and weather conditions, influence biodegradable urns’ dissolution. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each factor:
Type of Urn:
Water-soluble Salt Urns: These urns are made from a material that dissolves in water, such as a combination of salt and other biodegradable components. The process generally is very smooth when cast into the sea or another body of water. The urn will begin to dissolve within 5 to 10 minutes, breaking apart as it interacts with water molecules. The salt in the urn dissolves quickly, and as the urn dissolves, the ashes inside are gently released into the water, creating a peaceful and environmentally friendly option for those who wish to scatter ashes at sea. The dissolution rate can vary slightly depending on water temperature, salinity, water movement (tides, waves, currents) and other minor factors such as the pH of the water.
Sand Urns: While biodegradable, sand urns have a different dissolution process. Made of a sand-based material, these urns are designed to sink in less time in both fresh and seawater. The urn gradually begins to dissolve after sinking due to the interaction with water, but the process is often slower than salt urns. The porous nature of the sand allows for gradual breakdown over time, releasing the contents of the urn slowly and naturally. Sand urns are typically designed to completely dissolve within an hour, depending on the water temperature and other conditions.
Movement of Water:
Currents and Tides: The movement of water can significantly affect how quickly an urn dissolves. Strong currents or tidal action can accelerate the dissolution process by continuously moving water through the urn, causing it to break down more quickly. Conversely, calm or still water may slow down the dissolution process because the urn will not be subjected to the same constant movement that promotes dissolution.
Wave Action: In the ocean, waves can also play a role in speeding up the breakdown of the urn. Continuous wave movement can cause the urn to shift, creating more surface area for the water to act upon, thus facilitating the dissolution process.
Weather Conditions:
Water Temperature: Temperature has a significant impact on the dissolution rate. Warmer water promotes faster dissolution as heat speeds up chemical processes, including the breakdown of biodegradable materials. On the other hand, cold water may slow down the process, as chemical reactions occur more slowly in lower temperatures.
Wind and Precipitation: Weather conditions such as wind and rain can indirectly influence the dissolution process. Wind can increase the rate of evaporation from the surface of the water, altering its salinity and potentially affecting the urn’s breakdown. Rain, particularly in freshwater environments, can further dilute and accelerate the dissolution process, especially if the urn is exposed to heavy rainfall shortly after being placed in the water.
In summary, while both salt and sand urns are designed to dissolve in water, the rate at which they do so can be influenced by water temperature, water movement, and weather conditions. Salt urns dissolve rapidly in just a few minutes, especially in warmer or moving water, while sand urns typically take longer, dissolving more slowly as they sink and interact with the water.
