A river located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires has turned a startling shade of red, generating significant concern among local residents about potential industrial contamination.
The Sarandí stream, which meanders through a densely populated area near Buenos Aires, Argentina, has recently displayed an alarming crimson hue. Residents have shared vivid images on social media, depicting the river’s unusual appearance and comparing it to a ‘stream of blood.’ This unsettling change has heightened fears of potentially hazardous industrial chemical discharges into the waterway.
Local authorities are investigating the incident, suspecting that the coloration may be due to aniline, a toxic chemical commonly used in dyes and pharmaceuticals. In response, officials from Avellaneda Municipality have filed a complaint with the Buenos Aires province’s ministry of infrastructure and public services, which has initiated an official inquiry.
Residents have previously expressed concerns about the environmental health of the Sarandí stream. Over the years, the waterway has exhibited several vibrant colors, including gray, green, violet, blue, and brown, often accompanied by an oily film on its surface. Numerous complaints have been lodged against industrial activities, particularly those of nearby tanneries, which utilize various chemicals to process animal skins into leather.
María Ducomls, a local resident, recounted her experience on the morning of the river’s transformation. At 5:30 a.m., she detected strong odors and witnessed pollutants being emitted from a waste incinerator nearby. She described her shock at seeing the river dyed red, stating, ‘It looks like a stream of blood; we have never seen it like this.’
The situation has drawn attention to the broader issue of industrial pollution in the region, as the Sarandí stream flows into the Río de la Plata. Local officials and residents alike are calling for more stringent regulations and oversight to prevent future incidents of contamination.
The transformation of the Sarandí stream into a deep red hue has sparked a renewed focus on environmental safety and industrial accountability within the Buenos Aires region. As authorities continue their investigation, residents remain vigilant, awaiting answers and long-term solutions to prevent further ecological damage.
