The bizarre color is caused by Dunaliella salina, a type of halophile greenmicro-algae, that is found in the water. Usually found in sea salt fields, such as in Lake Retba, the micro-algae appears pink during the dry season. The high salt content of the lake means that not only is there a booming salt collecting industry on its banks, but like the Dead Sea, you are able to float in it.
Lake Retba also has unusual properties. Dunaliella salina is known for its anti-oxidant activity as it is able to create large amount of carotenoids. As a result, it is often found in cosmetics and dietary supplements. In order to protect themselves, many salt collectors who work in the lake rub their skin with shea butter in order to avoid tissue damage.
As you might expect, the high salt levels mean that few organisms can survive in the lake, so really it simply serves as a source of salt and a weird tourist attraction. As it is located near Dakar, the site is usually the finishing point for the epic car rally.
viaBuyOnMagazine
Photos by Flickr user nextdrop and Jeff Attaway
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We’re used to seeing lakes that are various shades of blue or even green, but this peculiar body of water in Senegal looks more like a massive Pepto-Bismol spill than any lake that we’ve ever seen! Lake Retba (also known as Lac Rose) is located on the
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The bizarre color is caused by Dunaliella salina, a type of halophile green micro-algae, that is found in the water.
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Usually found in sea salt fields, such as in Lake Retba, the micro-algae appears pink during the dry season.
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At other times, though, the water has a rusty brown color.
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Lake Retba also has unusual properties. Dunaliella salina is known for its anti-oxidant activity as it is able to create large amount of carotenoids. As a result, it is often found in cosmetics and dietary supplements.
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In order to protect themselves, many salt collectors who work in the lake rub their skin with shea butter in order to avoid tissue damage.
Image was captured by a camera suspended by a kite line. Kite Aerial Photography (KAP) 7′ Rokkaku
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As you’d expect, the high salt levels mean that few organisms can survive in the lake, so really it simply serves as a source of salt and a weird tourist attraction. As it is located near Dakar, the site is usually the finishing point for the epic car
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