Why Are Australia’s Pink Lakes So Pink? – Geology In

Why Are Australia’s Pink Lakes So Pink? – Geology In

Australia’s pink lakes, such as Lake Hillier, derive their color from a unique combination of geological, climatic, and biological factors in hypersaline environments. Halophilic microorganisms, including Dunaliella salina (a microalgae) and pigmented halobacteria, produce carotenoid pigments like beta-carotene and bacterioruberin. These pigments create red, orange, and pink hues in water with salt concentrations often exceeding seawater. Extrem…