Why are salt lakes red?

The salt lakes on Bonaire appear red due to a combination of biological and chemical processes typical of such hypersaline environments.
Here are the main reasons:

¿Por qué los lagos salados son rojos?

Los lagos salados en Bonaire aparecen rojos debido a una combinación de procesos biológicos y químicos típicos de tales ambientes hipersalinos. Estas son las principales razones

1. Microorganisms – primarily halobacteria and algae

Halobacteria (e.g., Halobacterium salinarum): These microorganisms thrive in extremely saline water and produce a reddish pigment called bacteriorhodopsin, which helps them utilize light energy.

Dunaliella salina: A green microalga that, under high salt stress, produces a red carotenoid called beta-carotene, which also contributes to the coloration.

2. High salt concentration

The extreme salt concentration in the evaporation ponds creates an environment in which only specialized microorganisms can survive – and many of them are red or pink.

3. Light and Temperature

Intense sunlight and high temperatures promote pigment production in microorganisms, which intensifies the red color.

4. Artificial Salt Production

Salt lakes in Bonaire are also used industrially. Controlled evaporation in shallow basins increases the concentration of microorganisms and thus the striking coloration.Læs mere