Dunaliella species are primarily found globally in hypersaline environments, thriving in conditions with high salt concentrations.
These unique algae, particularly halophilic species like Dunaliella salina, are notable for their ability to survive and flourish across the world in extremely salty habitats.
Common Hypersaline Habitats
Dunaliella is widely distributed in various high-salinity locations, which include:
- Salterns: These are man-made shallow ponds or basins used for the production of salt from seawater or other brines through evaporation.
- Salt Lakes: Natural inland bodies of water with a significantly higher salt content than oceans, such as the Great Salt Lake or the Dead Sea.
- Crystallizer Ponds: Specialized ponds within saltern operations where the salt solution becomes so concentrated that salt begins to crystallize and precipitate out.
| Habitat Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Salterns | Evaporation ponds for commercial salt production. |
| Salt Lakes | Natural, landlocked bodies of water with high mineral and salt concentrations. |
| Crystallizer Ponds | Areas designed for salt crystallization in industrial processes. |
Unique Subaerial Discovery
Beyond these typical aquatic hypersaline environments, one unique subaerial species of Dunaliella has been discovered in an unusual location. This particular species is found growing on top of spider webs that cover the walls of a cave situated within the Coastal Range of the Atacama Desert. This finding highlights the remarkable adaptability of Dunaliella to even the most unconventional and arid conditions, extending its known habitats beyond traditional water bodies.
