A lake in California might soon benefit from environmental restoration due to the discovery of over half a trillion dollars’ worth of ‘white gold’ located beneath it.
The Salton Sea, California’s largest lake, has faced criticism as an ‘environmental disaster’ due to its unpleasant smell and harmful chemicals affecting nearby areas. Though it formed in 1905, it holds a significant environmental and economic interest.
The lake sits above an estimated $540 billion worth of lithium reserves, amounting to approximately 18 million tons. Lithium, often called ‘white gold’ for its value and appearance, is a key component in powering electric vehicle batteries and has medical applications for treating bipolar disorder.
The reservoir beneath the Salton Sea is extensive enough to potentially power more than 382 million electric vehicle batteries.
The Salton Sea was not a natural formation but resulted from a breach in an irrigation canal by the Colorado River floodwaters, creating a man-made lake in a basin known as the Salton Sink.
Over time, the lake has become notorious for its unpleasant odor, caused by the decomposition of organic matter releasing hydrogen sulfide, and its rising salinity levels. The lake’s waterline has also noticeably declined.
As the lake’s salinity rises to levels nearly double that of ocean water, the oxygen levels drop, reducing the survival chances of fish. This also impacts the ecosystem, leading to a decline in fish-eating bird populations.
The receding waterline has created a dust layer containing toxic elements, posing health risks to nearby residents by potentially causing cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses.
The Salton Sea Community Outreach Education & Engagement highlights these health risks on its website, noting the harmful particles left behind as the Sea evaporates.
“As the sea evaporates, it leaves behind dust containing hazardous pollutants such as selenium, arsenic and traces of pesticides. These sediment particles are picked up by desert winds and can be carried over hundreds of miles of land,” it writes.
“These dust particles are measured as Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10). PM10 are particles that measure about 10 microns in diameter and are small enough that they can enter the deepest parts of our lungs.
“PM10 are usually generated by smoke, soot, dust, salts, acids, metals, and exhaust. PM10 is viewed as one of the most harmful pollutants, and have been linked to an increasing severity of asthma and other lung diseases.”
It continued: “Particles that measure 2.5 microns or less are within the PM2.5 scale and are tiny enough to be directly absorbed into the bloodstream.
“These particles can cause a more serious variety of health issues; respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are all common consequences of short and long term exposure.
“Individuals with greater risk factors such as age and predisposed diseases could be at higher risk of hospitalization and mortality.”