3. Lake Retba, Senegal
Lake Retba, also known as Lac Rose, is a saltwater lake located northeast of Dakar, Senegal. The intensity of its pink color varies with the seasons and the strength of sunlight, ranging from deep red to lighter shades. The lake's salinity can reach up to 40% in some areas, making it even saltier than the Dead Sea. The pink hue is caused by Dunaliella salina algae, which produce a red pigment to absorb sunlight and generate energy, allowing them to survive in this harsh environment. Local salt collectors, mostly women, wade into the lake daily using traditional methods to harvest salt, protecting their skin from the high salinity with shea butter. This unique combination of natural phenomena and human activity creates a fascinating ecosystem that supports both the local economy and environmental uniqueness.
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