Natron is a Salt Lake that is rich in minerals and alkalis. The lake is red in color, one of the main reasons for this color is the presence of large amounts of sodium carbonate in it and its reaction with other substances. The lake is about 3 meters deep at its deepest point. Natron has an area of about 1,040 square kilometers and is 600 meters above sea level.
There is little rain in this region and seasonal rains occur between December and May. These scattered rains do not have much effect on the lake water and improve the climatic conditions of the region because it rains an average of 800 mm per year.
During the year, due to hot weather and lack of rain, the upper levels of Lake Natron are seen as solid because the rate of evaporation is high in this area. These factors have caused the rocks around the lake to take on a sedimentary state and give an interesting look to Lake Natron. To visit Lake Natron, head to northern Tanzania and the Arusha Region, near the Kenyan border.
Most of the year, the water temperature of the lake is between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius. Also, natron water contains various minerals, the presence of these factors together made this area not a suitable environment for animals to live. The lake’s water is supplied by the Ewaso Ng’iro River, which is also rich in minerals and flows through several hot springs as it moves towards Natron. So, when water reaches Lake Natron, it has a high temperature and the presence of salt in it makes the water look like a lava-like substance. Unfortunately, birds that enter to swim or use natron water are burned or poisoned. The presence of Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano near Natron also causes lava to enter the beautiful Natron Lake.
Living conditions of most animals are not compatible with places with hot weather and high salt levels; But still, some fish, algae and invertebrates have been able to live in Natron, and some species of birds have been able to adapt to the harsh environment around Natron.
The most important bird species in the area are flamingos. There are an estimated 2.5 million flamingos in East Africa, some of which are home to Lake Natron; Unfortunately, their numbers are dwindling day by day, and East African flamingos are now considered “near-threatened” species. Flamingos like to live near saltwater lakes because they can feed on algae. They like to eat cyanobacteria, and cyanobacteria grow better in alkaline environments, so Lake Natron is a great environment for flamingos to feed. The presence of these small creatures has changed the color of flamingos in this area. Cyanobacteria contain pigments called carotenoids that change the color of birds. This pigment is the same as that found in foods such as carrots and egg yolks. You may have heard that if you eat a lot of carrots, your skin will slowly turn yellow and eventually turn orange, so cyanobacteria are responsible for the orange and pink color of flamingos.
Due to unfavorable weather conditions in Lake Natron, the surrounding lands are not cultivable and only some plants can be grown in this area in some seasons, so less people invest and cultivate around Natron. But as you move away from Lake Natron, you will see the life of the natives. Unfortunately, many of the pollutants produced by them eventually reach Natron. The disappointing thing is that a power plant will soon open on the Ivazu Niru River, which is likely to double Natron pollution. It is true that the purpose of establishing this power plant is to produce fresh water, but there is still no evidence that there is no damage to the environment by this power plant.
Apart from pollution, there is another threat to this beautiful lake, as if they want to drain the water of this lake in order to produce washing powder by exporting its sodium and export it to other cities and countries. To do this, 1,000 workers are to be hired, so they may extract too much salt and eventually destroy Lake Natron.
The probability that small flamingos will survive these changes is close to zero. These changes have reduced flamingos in East Africa.
So far, several meetings have been held to prevent the destruction of Lake Natron, during which they have reviewed the projects designed for this place.
