A stream running through a densely populated area on the outskirts of Buenos Aires has shockingly turned crimson, leading to fears of industrial chemical dumping. Images shared by local residents on social media on Friday showcased the alarming sight.
The Sarandí stream, located near Villa Inflamable in the municipality of Avellaneda, is surrounded by tanneries and other industries that utilize chemicals to transform animal hides into leather. The vivid red of the waterway has evoked dystopian imagery as residents capture and share their concerns online.
Local resident María Ducomls recounted waking up one morning to overpowering odors. “At 5:30 a.m., we already had a special and hazardous waste incinerator emitting pollutants into the air,” she told The Associated Press. Soon after, she noticed the striking color of the stream: “It looks like a stream of blood; we have never seen it like this,” she remarked.
Municipal officials in Avellaneda, approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) south of Buenos Aires, suspect that the discoloration may be due to aniline, a toxic compound typically found in dyes and pharmaceuticals.
After collecting water samples, they submitted a complaint to the Buenos Aires provincial Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Services, which will undertake an investigation into the matter.
Residents also indicated that the stream has changed to various unusual colors in the past, including gray, green, violet, blue, and brown, often with an oily surface. They have been lodging complaints against local industries since the 1990s, with several cases of alleged environmental contamination still unresolved.
Credit: ABC News
