Places In News: Lake Retba

Context: 

Lake Retba is disappearing in Senegal. 

  • In this lake, only a few microscopic algae and bacteria are found. 

About Lake Retba

  • Lake Retba is better known as Lac Rose or the pink lake.

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Lake Retba

  • Reason for Pink Color: The pink color of the lake is due to the presence of halophilic green algae, specifically Dunaliella salina, containing red pigments.
  • Source of Water: The lake Retba is isolated from the sea by sand dunes. Its fresh water comes from the seasonal water table in the dunes, which are higher than the lake. 
    • Thus the sea provides most of the lake’s water and all of its salt.
  • It is situated approximately 35 km from Dakar, Senegal.

Challenges at Senegal’s Pink Lake

  • Salt accumulation is the major problem for the pink lake. 
The World Health Organization (WHO) deems water potable when nitrate levels are below 50 mg/l.
  • Release of toxic substances from nearby industries, hotels, and tourism can bring harmful chemicals into the water, impacting the lake’s overall ecosystem. 
  • Uncontrolled tourism can put a strain on the ecosystem which can cause pollution from boats and disturb wildlife.
  • Infrastructure projects or land development near the lake can disrupt natural water flow and threaten surrounding dunes, contributing to the water balance.
  • Excessive sand extraction and exploitation of surrounding areas can destabilize the lake’s delicate environment.
Also Read: Indian Lakes: Water Ecosystem, Origins, And Challenges

 

News Source: DownToEarth

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