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Alarm as Buenos Aires Stream Turns Blood Red

Residents are shocked by the bizarre color change, raising pollution concerns.

By Michael Levenson and Natalie AlcobaSource: nytimes.com1 min read
Alarm as Buenos Aires Stream Turns Blood Red
Image via nytimes.com

In brief

A stream near Buenos Aires has mysteriously turned bright red, leading to fears of chemical pollution from nearby factories.

A stream in Sarandí, a suburb just south of Buenos Aires, has made headlines after turning a frightening shade of red, stirring anxiety among local residents. Many are pointing fingers at industrial runoff from nearby factories as a potential cause for the discoloration. The bright vermilion water was first noticed by locals who reported a nauseating smell likened to garbage, disrupting their nights. Maria Ducomls, who has resided in the area for over 30 years, described seeing the stream appear “like a river covered in blood.” She claimed that the water has changed colors multiple times over the years, including odd hues of blue, green, and pink, often accompanied by oily patches. Local authorities have been alerted to the unusual scene. The environmental ministry for the Province of Buenos Aires is currently testing water samples and suggested that the change might stem from "some type of organic dye." Given the area’s history of pollution, experts like Moira Zellner, an environmental consultant, warn that such incidents are not surprising, attributing the region's problems to outdated regulations.Carlos Colángelo, president of the Professional Council of Chemistry in the province, expressed concern about the potential dumping of chemicals into the stream, urging stringent action against responsible parties. The investigation continues as authorities await test results to determine the source of the alarming color change.

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