In brief
A canal in the Buenos Aires suburb of Sarandí has raised concerns among residents after it unexpectedly turned a striking bright red on Thursday. Video footage and photographs circulated on social media depict the startling scene as the vividly colored water flows into the Río de la Plata, adjacent to an ecological reserve. Local reports speculate that the alarming color change could be linked to either textile dyes or chemicals from a nearby industrial site.
In response to this unusual phenomenon, the Environment Ministry has collected water samples from the Sarandí canal to investigate the color change more thoroughly. By late afternoon, reports indicated that the intensity of the color had faded somewhat.Local residents have voiced their apprehensions about the area's pollution, alleging that several nearby companies improperly dispose of toxic waste in the canal. This waterway, which weaves through a region populated with leather processing and textile industries, is situated approximately 10 kilometers from the Buenos Aires city center. One resident, Silvia, shared her experience with local news outlet C5N, highlighting the canal’s previous discolored states, including yellow and various shades of green, blue, and lilac, which emitted a noxious odor capable of causing enduring throat irritation. Another local, Maria Ducomls, echoed these sentiments, stating she has seen the water change colors numerous times, including hues of pink and lilac, often accompanied by an oily residue. Residents continue expressing their concerns for public health and the environment amidst ongoing industrial waste issues in the region.
