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El Salvador Lagoon Turns Turquoise, Attracting Tourists Amidst Scientific Concern
El Salvador Lagoon Transforms into Turquoise Waters
A lagoon in central El Salvador, the Pacific Lagoon, has recently undergone a dramatic color change, shifting from its usual shades of green and brown to a vivid turquoise. Located about 70 kilometers east of San Salvador, this unusual transformation has captivated both tourists and scientists. Officials have attributed this phenomenon to a bloom of cyanobacteria, which is caused by high temperatures and intense sunlight.
Scientists Monitor Health Concerns and Environmental Factors
El Salvador's Environment Ministry confirmed that the color shift is due to cyanobacteria, microscopic organisms also known as blue-green algae. Experts suggest that strong sunlight, high temperatures, and alkaline water conditions facilitated this bloom. While no health alert has been issued, officials caution that some cyanobacteria can produce toxins that may cause skin irritation or respiratory problems. Despite these concerns, the lagoon has become a new tourist hotspot, with visitors arriving to photograph and explore the unusually colored water.
Volcanic Crater Lake Becomes a Tourist Attraction
Researchers from the University of El Salvador state that the striking color results from the interaction between sunlight and the microorganisms in the water. They also confirmed that the lagoon is a volcanic crater lake around 44 meters deep, with no signs of mineral irregularities or external contamination. Locals report that fish in the lagoon remain healthy, and boat operators have seen an increase in tourism. Scientists continue to monitor this rare environmental phenomenon.
*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-05-26)*
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