Mystery in Buenos Aires: Sarandi Canal Turns Blood Red, Residents Alarmed-Watch

Argentina’s Environment Ministry investigates the unexplained crimson hue in a suburban canal, sparking fears of chemical pollution.

February 9, 2025: In an alarming and bizarre turn of events, the Sarandi Canal in a Buenos Aires suburb turned deep crimson on Thursday, sending shockwaves through the community. The unnaturally red water flowed into the Rio de la Plata estuary, which lies near a protected ecological reserve. Locals reported a “nauseating” stench emanating from the canal, adding to concerns about the health and environmental impacts.

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Residents described waking up to the overpowering smell, with some likening the water’s eerie appearance to “a river covered in blood.” Maria Ducomls, a resident of Avellaneda, told AFP, “The smell woke us up. It was completely red and stained, it’s horrible.” She also recalled seeing the canal in other unusual colors like blue, green, pink, and yellow, often accompanied by an acidic smell that irritated the throat.

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Local speculation points to nearby textile and leather factories, notorious for allegedly dumping dye and chemical waste into the water. Others suspect illegal waste disposal from a storage facility may have caused the mysterious transformation.

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Argentina’s Environment Ministry acted swiftly, collecting two liters of water for analysis. In a statement, they said, “Our mobile analysis laboratory was sent to the area to perform chemical and chromatographic tests to identify the organic substance responsible for the discoloration. Preliminary findings suggest the presence of organic coloring agents.”

The Sarandi Canal, which drains into the Rio de la Plata—a waterway shared by Argentina and Uruguay—has faced long-standing pollution issues. Residents have expressed frustration over the lack of action despite numerous complaints. “We’ve seen this happen many times before, and it’s not just red. Sometimes the water turns bluish or even yellow with grease-like films on the surface,” another local told the BBC.

Authorities continue to investigate the source of the contamination, emphasizing the need for stricter pollution controls and transparency in addressing environmental hazards.