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Places In News: Lake Retba

January 25, 2024

GS Paper III Biodiversity & Environment

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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