Buenos Aires stream turns blood-red

Residents of Buenos Aires, Argentina, were alarmed when the Sarandí stream turned a striking blood-red color, prompting immediate environmental concerns and investigations by local authorities. The waterway, which flows through the municipality of Avellaneda and into the Rio de la Plata near an ecological reserve, has become the center of attention after images of its crimson waters spread rapidly across social media.

The area, located approximately 9 miles south of Buenos Aires, houses several tanneries and industrial facilities that use chemicals to process animal skins into leather.

Municipal authorities suspect aniline contamination, a toxic substance commonly used in dyes and pharmaceutical products. The Buenos Aires Environment Ministry and local officials have collected water samples for analysis, with preliminary reports suggesting the substance might not be toxic. A formal complaint has been filed with the Buenos Aires province ministry of infrastructure and public services to lead the investigation.

This isn't the first time the stream has shown signs of potential contamination. Residents report a history of the waterway displaying various unusual colors, including gray, green, violet, blue, and brown, often accompanied by an oily surface. Community members have been raising concerns about industrial pollution since the 1990s, with multiple environmental contamination cases remaining unresolved.

The incident has reignited long standing environmental concerns in Villa Inflamable, an area historically affected by industrial activities. While authorities continue their investigation into the cause of the discoloration, the event has highlighted ongoing tensions between industrial operations and environmental protection in the greater Buenos Aires region.