The Lake is well known for its bright pink hue that contrasts with the deep blue of the ocean. In 2015, a team of researchers from the Extreme Microbiome Project (XMP) decided to conduct an investigation behind the lake's vivid pink hue. When you consume salty water it can cause serious damage to your body. The Extreme Microbiome Project, part of the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities (ABRF), Metagenomics Research Group (MGRG), has been performed on the lake. Lake Hillier on Middle Island, Australia, is the color of bright-pink bubble gum. He was the first to report this lake when he observed it by climbing the highest peak on the island. “The most abundant DNA that we recovered from the lake came from a bacterium called Salinibacter ruber, a salt-loving halophile which also produces red pigments,” said Ken McGrath. By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Since its discovery in 1802, Lake Hillier has drawn in curious visitors from all over the world. When the crew went ashore to investigate, they found that the lake seemed as salty as the Dead Sea. There are also large amounts of halophilic bacteria and archaea in the salt crusts of the lake that could also be the cause for the lake's interesting appearance. They duly filled up their stock with salt from the shores of the lake. This algae has adapted to thrive in the lake’s extremely salty conditions using a pink pigment to survive the high salt concentrations that are toxic to other organisms. Several atte… It lays in stark contrast to the blue sea just nearby and the green trees all around. The vibrant colour is permanent, and does not alter when the water is taken in a container. Why Lake Hillier Is Pink 1. by Daniel Kelly — March 29, 2016 ; More than two years ago, we speculated as to why Australia’s Lake Hillier is such a spectacular pink. While Australia has many seasonal pink lakes, they are all on the mainland, and while many are very easily accessible, none are quite as impressive, or anywhere near as pink as Lake Hillier. Birdlife International has declared the area around the lake as an "Important Bird Area", due to the high biodiversity of avian fauna in this region. Lake Hillier is one of Australia’s most famous pink lakes, featuring widely across social media and in the media. In January of the same year, he went ashore and climbed the highest peak on the island which is named after him today. Believe it or not, Lake Hillier isn’t even the only pink lake in Australia. Lake Hillier is truly stunning with its distinctive strawberry milkshake color. Its latitude and longitud  e coordinates are  34°5′45″S 123°12′10″E . Lake Hillier is a pink-colored lake on Middle Island, the largest of the islands and islets that make up the Recherche Archipelago, Western Australia. Unlike Lake Hillier, the lake fluctuates in color -- sometimes the water is a baby pink, and other times the water transforms into a rusty, almost murderous shade of red. Most scientists do agree it has probably something to do with the presence of a specific species of microalgae - Dunaliella Salina. The lake is best appreciated from the air in any case where you can really see its vivid pink color in contrast with surrounding forests and the Indian Ocean. Travelers can, on occasion, be dropped off on Middle Island from helicopter rides and cruise ships but these tend to view the lake from the shore. Some speculate that Lake Hilliers color, like that of the other lakes, is the result of high salinity combined with the presence of a salt-loving algae species known as Dunaliella salina and pink bacteria known as halobacteria. Though, as of yet, no conclusive proof exists to firmly explain the source of the pink color of the lake, investigations indicate that secretions from certain microbes inhabiting the lake waters could contribute to the pink color of the water. Lake Hillier is also unique in that it is on an Island. It was discovered in 1802 by a … However, they can only do so if the urine is less salty than saltwater which can lead to losing more water than was drunk and dehydration quickly sets in. Lake Hillier's color is best appreciated from the air, where it contrasts vividly with the lush surrounding forest. Lake Hillier is treated as a natural wonder and hence receives many visitors by air who fly over the lake to catch a glimpse of the bubble gum pink color of the water body. He was the first to report this lake when he observed it by climbing the highest peak on the island. These little critters produce the carotenoid pigments, beta-carotene (which are also found in carrots), that are thought to give rise to the bubblegum coloration of the lake's water. Only scientists are allowed to carry out research and work on the lake. "In the north-eastern part was a small lake of a rose color, the water of which, as I was informed by Mr Thistle who visited it, was so saturated with salt that sufficient quantities were crystallized near the shores to load a ship. At the time, a type of color-producing algae, Dunaliella salina, was at the top of our list. The pink lake phenomena around Australia are generally believed to be associated with high salinity levels, although Lake Hillier is an anomaly in that it stays its brilliant pink colour year around, as opposed to fading like most others. It's best to view it from the air in any case. Travel 10 Most Stunning Hidden Caves in the World Waiting to be Explored. Discovered in 1802 by a Royal Navy explorer its strawberry milkshake color is awe-inspiring. Scientists found that pink bodies of water like Lake Hillier contain both Halobacteria and a type of algae known as Dunaliella salina, which thrive in salty environments like the pink lakes. Lake Hillier is situated in near the coast of Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago to the south of Western Australia. Researchers recently discovered that the lake's unique color is caused by algae, halobacteria, and other microbes. That's all before we even think about the plethora of microorganisms that inhabit the water. On investigation, he found that the color didn’t change even when the water was put into a bottle and that it had a high salt content. Unlik… Off the west coast of Australia is Middle Isle, home to a bright pink lake called lake Hillier. Lake Hillier, a 600-meter long, unique, saline lake with a bubble gum pink color, is located near the shores of the Middle Island of the Recherche Archipelago in Australia, off the southern coast of Western Australia. Environmental scientist Tilo Massenbauer said historically the pink hue was caused by the lake's microscopic algae which produced beta carotene — the pigment that gives carrots an orange colour. For this reason, the lake's color is thought to be a combination of these factors. Cell membranes, though good at keeping salt from flooding into cells are semi-permeable. From a distance, Lake Hillier of Australias Recherche Archipelago looks like a swath of solid bubble-gum pink. Retba's color is especially evident during the dry season (between November and June) and less obvious during the rainy seasons. The contrast between the pink colour of the lake and the blue ocean creates a truly striking view. He decided to name the lake Hillier of a recently deceased crew member William Hillier who had died of dysentery whilst docked at the island. Several attempts were made in the next few years to utilize the lake for salt mining but various factors including the relative toxic properties of the salt extracted from this lake, discouraged such salt mining activities in the lake. These salt-loving photosynthetic microorganisms generate energy by using other parts of the visible light spectrum except in orange/red frequencies. Apparently many people get completely confused with the two lakes because of the names. Lake Hillier was first discovered and named by the English navigator and cartographer, Matthew Flinders, who arrived at the Middle Island in 1802. The most notable feature of the lake is its pink colour. Lake Hillier is one of Australia’s most famous pink lakes, featuring widely across social media and in the media. Lake Hillier is about 600 meters (2,000 feet) in length by about 250 meters (820 feet) in width. Hillier Lake is one of such amazing lakes. Australia's famous pink Lake Hillier is a sight to behold. In 1803, he named the lake as Lake Hillier after a crew member of his expedition team who died of dysentery that year. The Dunaliella salina is the microbial algae species inhabiting the lake which is held responsible for catalyzing reactions that result in the pink color of the lake. Today it's a protected nature reserve but can be visited under special circumstances. When viewed from above, the lake’s pink color provides a stark contrast to the surrounding blue waters of the Southern Ocean from which it is separated by a narrow strip of land. It’s located off the coast of Esperance in Western Australia on Middle Island, the largest of the islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago. A long and thin shore divides the Southern Ocean from the lake. Just enter your email and we’ll take care of the rest: © Copyright 2021 | Interesting Engineering, Inc. | All Rights Reserved, Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago, 10 Most Stunning Hidden Caves in the World Waiting to be Explored, The Panama Canal: A Story of Blood, Sweat and Rebellion, The Engineering Behind Chand Baori and Other Famous Stepwells, The Science Behind the Mysterious Seneca Guns, Australia's Glow-in-the-Dark Marsupials Surprise Scientists. For a long time it was assumed that micro algae was responsible for Lake Hillier’s pink colour. Thus, as of now, the lake and its surrounding habitat are free of human intervention and anthropogenic threats. Lake Hillier, or Pink Lake, is located on Middle Island, the largest island within the Recherché Archipelago within the Cape Arid/Esperance region, off the coast of southern Western Australia. Lake Hillier is a pink-coloured lake on Middle Island in Western Australia – the largest island from the Recherche Archipelago, a group of … The specimen he brought on board was of a good quality and required no other process than drying to be fit for use.” - Captain Flinders Log. Pink Lake is a salt lake in Western Australia’s Goldfields-Esperance region. Lake Hillier is situated in near the coast of. But in essence, Lake Hillier is actually a pink salt lake. Lake Hillier was first discovered and named by the English navigator and cartographer, Matthew Flinders, who arrived at the Middle Island in 1802. It has surface area of 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres). Cell membranes, though good at keeping salt from flooding into cells are semi-permeable. He named his discovery in honor of a recently deceased crew member who had died from dysentery when docke… This nature reserve is limited to tourist visitations and only licensed operators are allowed to operate here. In his log, he noted that he was surprised to see "a small lake of rose colour". Although most are harmless, there is the potential for ingesting something very unpleasant. The researchers used a metagenomic analysis on the lake to find Dunaliella as well as Salinibacter Ruber, Dechloromonas Aromatica, and a few species of the Archaea. It is such a significant distinguishing feature of the archipelago that air passengers often crane their necks to take a glimpse of it. This shrinks the cells of your body and your kidneys will attempt to correct the problem by producing urine to remove excess sodium. Pink halophytic bacteria also live in the salt crusts around the lake which could also contribute to the pink color of the lake. Lake Hillier is located on Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago off the coast of Cape Arid, east of Esperance. Lake Hillier is thought to gain its colour mainly from a microorganism called Dunaliella salina. According to the official site for the pink lake of Australia, it is perfectly safe to swim in the lake. Today the island is an uninhabited nature reserve that is covered in a dense Eucalyptus forest. However, catch it during the dry summer months when the saline levels are high and you will see it turn strawberry pink and sometimes, even red. Now, the lake and its surrounding habitat became accessible only to scientists working in the region, while the public visitation to this area was highly restricted. You may unsubscribe at any time. Scientists are yet to agree on why it's pink, but that doesn't take anything away from its uniqueness. The water in Senegal's Lake Retba always seems to have a pinkish hue to it. Lake Hillier is a pink-coloured lake on Middle Island in Western Australia. Similar to Lake Retba, it's believed that microorganisms living in the water, called Dunaliella Salina, are the cause of the pink water. It has a high level of salinity and the color is suspected to be due to saltwater reacting with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) or certain microorganisms—particularly salt-loving algae ( dunaliella salina ) and pink bacteria (halobacteria). Lake Hillier’s neighbour is the infamous Pink Lake. It is particularly notable for its pink colour. High salt content in your bloodstream puts a serious strain on your body's natural ability to stabilize sodium and chloride levels. Draw closer, and the color takes on a more watery, translucent quality, but remains unmistakably pink. The Extreme Microbiome Project, encompassing the investigation of the microbiota of the lake which survives under the extreme salty conditions, is the prime subject of study here. It’s located off the coast of Esperance in Western Australia on Middle Island, the largest of the islands that make up the Recherche Archipelago. Mystery of the 'pink lake' solved: Strange neon colour of Australia's Lake Hillier is caused by salt-loving microbes. Lake Hillier isn't the only pink lake in the world, there is another famous one on the coast of Senegal called Lake Retba. 'Australia's Pinkest Lake' The Lake is approximately 600 metres long and 250 metres wide, covering an area of around 16 hectares. But exactly what causes the lake to be pink? In the past, people speculated that the color could be due to its high salt content or from microalgae. The Island is managed by the Western Australian Government and is accessible by boat and air. Lake Hillier is situated in near the coast of Middle Island in the Recherche Archipelago to the south of Western Australia. Lake Hart, Lake Bumbunga, and Hutt Lagoon all give Lake Hillier a run for its money. Pink Lake, Australia What is pink lake? If, however, on the rare occasion you do find yourself near the lake and go for a swim you'll be in for an interesting experience. Scientists believe the bubblegum colour comes from the presence of Dunaliella salina, a micro algae containing a reddish pigment that thrives in salty lakes. The Dunaliella produces carotenoids, a pigment found in carrots as well. On Middle Island off the southern coast of Western Australia sits Lake Hillier, one of Australia's most famous pink lakes. The lake is, nowadays, primarily a tourist attraction but was once used to extract the salt. Pink Lake Hillier, Australia. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions © 2021 worldatlas.com, The Causes And Effects Of Ocean Pollution. "At this stage, the organism that turns the lake pink is still there. Like any salt water, it is not advisable to drink water from Lake Hillier. Lake Hillier—Australia. The carotenoid red pigments secreted by Halobacteria and d. salina are responsible for the pink lakes' otherworldly colors. Photo by Kurioziteti123. The lake is approximately 600 metres long and 250 metres wide. It is located on Middle Island, off the coast of Western Australia. In 1803, he named the lake as Lake Hillier after a crew member of his expedition team who died of dysentery that year. Even if the lake’s waters were visibly pink historically, they were no rose since 2017 for over ten years. Unfortunately the Pink Lake has lost its colour over the years due to many contributing factors such as; the salt mining ceased in 2007, a new construction of a railway and highway nearby caused the loss of the colour. Lake Hillier and its surrounding habitat also serve as the base of a significant volume of scientific research. Here, the same species of microalgae is prevalent in the water which is also thought to produce the lake's similar appearance to Lake Hillier. Middle island is the largest of the islands and islets that make up the Recherche Archipelago, a group of about 105 islands and over 1,200 ‘obstacles to shipping’. Unlike other pink lakes in Western Australia, which fade out during the summer months, the vibrant colour of Lake Hillier is permanent, and does not alter even when the water is taken in a container. The salt miners thus evacuated the area and many years later, Lake Hillier became a part of the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve, thus achieving a protected status. Lake Hillier is surrounded by a rim of woodland with eucalyptus and paperback trees as the dominant vegetation and is separated from the sea by sand dunes covered by vegetation. The exact cause of Lake Hillier's distinctive bubblegum or strawberry milkshake color is not known for sure. The reason of its unique colour is still a topic that is not fully understood by scientists, although most suspect it has to do with the presence of the Dunaliella salina microalgae. The pink colour is considered to be due to the presence of the organism Dunaliella salina. In 1802 British navigator and cartographer Mathew Flinders was on board the expedition vessel HMS Investigator. This lake was the finish line for the Dakar Rally road race and is frequently used to harvest salt by local villagers. The lake lies right next to the Pacific Ocean, and only a narrow coastline separates them. The lake and its habitat is studied extensively by the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities. Lake Hillier, on Middle Island in Western Australia’s Recherche Archipelago, lies about 130 kilometres (70 miles) from Esperance, or an eight-hour drive from Perth.It's a surreal sight; the pink lake neighbours the dark blue waters of the Indian Ocean, with a strip of lush green forest acting as a barrier. The concentration of salt in Pink Lake is essential to the pink color and, as conditions alter, Pink Lake could turn pink. Lake Hillier is a pink-coloured lake on Middle Island in Western Australia. The algae are completely harmless but drinking hypersaline water is a no-no. Lake Hillier, Western Australia | © matteo_it / Shutterstock Why is it pink? Even when the water is scooped up into a … Bacteria and Archaea tend to make up the bulk of the micro-ecology of hypersaline lakes like Hillier. In 1889, another European, Edward Andrews, arrived on the Middle Island with his sons with the idea of extracting salt from Lake Hillier. Currently, the Recherche Archipelago Nature Reserve, a highly protected area in Australia, includes the Lake Hillier within its boundaries. If, however, on the rare occasion you do find yourself near the lake and go for a swim you'll be in for an interesting experience. Lake Hillier was first discovered in 1802 by the British Navigator and Cartographer Mathew Flinders aboard the HMS Investigator. Researchers collected lake samples to identify algae, archaea, and bacteria The lake is, nowadays, primarily a tourist attraction but was once used to extract the salt. It is surrounded by eucalyptus and paperback trees and a long and thin shore divides the Southern Ocean from the lake. These non-algal microorganisms also produce a similar carotenoid pigment within their cell membranes which is either the main cause or a contributing factor to the lake's overall coloration. Lake Hillier is a saline lake on the edge of Middle Island, the largest of the islands and islets that make up the Recherche Archipelago in the Goldfields-Esperance region, off the south coast of Western Australia. natural ability to stabilize sodium and chloride levels. From above the lake appears a solid bubble gum pink. Dunaliella Salina is able to tolerate very high salt concentrations ranging from 0.2% to as much as 35%. In 1889, another European, Edward Andrews, arrived on the Middle Island with his sons with the idea of extracting salt from Lake Hillier. The tiny lake only spans about 600 meters wide but its rose pink colour is unmistakable. This study attempts to unravel the mysteries of the microbial world and the unique microbial adaptations to high salt conditions. He stepped onto Middle Island, climbed the highest peak and saw a bright pink lake. Just like most seas and ocean around the world with the distinct exception of not having any macro-organisms like fish to worry about. The Lake Hillier is inhabited exclusively by only microorganisms. These photosynthetic microorganisms thrive in waters that have high salinity, such as Lake Hillier. Water cannot be freely locked into your cells and in hypersaline conditions, the process of osmosis will see water fleeing from the cell's interior to correct the concentration imbalance. 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