A large dark stain was spotted off Barra da Tijuca beach in Rio de Janeiro this week, prompting concern from locals and environmental experts over its cause and potential impact.
A massive dark stain appeared in the ocean off Rio de Janeiro’s Barra da Tijuca beach on Wednesday, May 14, raising environmental concerns among residents, beachgoers, and researchers. The discolored water was clearly visible in aerial footage captured by Reuters drones, showing a stark contrast between the murky brown patch and the surrounding blue sea.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, the dark waters originated from the Barra and Jacarepaguá lagoon complex. The state environment institute, Inea, explained that an ebb tide - dropping from 1.1 meters (3.6 feet) to just 0.2 meters (0.65 feet) - carried organic material from the lagoons into the sea. The resulting interaction between warmer seawater and cooler lagoon water caused a change in color.
Preliminary assessments from Inea suggest that the phenomenon does not negatively affect seawater quality or pose a health risk to swimmers. The institute has collected water samples and plans to release detailed analysis results by Friday, May 16.
Despite the early reassurances, experts are pointing to deeper structural issues. Biologist Mario Moscatelli attributed the stain to long-standing urban development problems and inadequate sanitation in the region. “The sewage flows down the rivers, into the lagoon, and from the lagoon into the sea,” he said in a statement to Reuters.
While authorities continue their investigation, the incident has reignited calls for better urban planning and sewage treatment infrastructure to protect Rio’s waterways and coastal ecosystems.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerba...
The UK has announced a fresh round of sanctions against individuals and organisations it says are responsible for cyber attacks and hybrid operations ...
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claim...
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
The UK has announced a fresh round of sanctions against individuals and organisations it says are responsible for cyber attacks and hybrid operations linked to Russian intelligence, in a move aimed at countering efforts to destabilise Europe.
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claims it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
Tajikistan will reduce electricity exports and increase water reserves ahead of winter as the government seeks to improve domestic power supplies after last year’s seasonal shortages.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has promised to avenge the killing of his father, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran and Washington had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation of hostilities this week.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
President Ilham Aliyev is holding his annual question-and-answer session with international journalists at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum in Azerbaijan.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
China has maintained its highest-level rainstorm warning after Typhoon Bavi made landfall on the country's eastern coast, urging large-scale evacuations and emergency preparations across several provinces amid fears of severe flooding and landslides
As a wildfire swept through the mountains toward rural Andalusian villages near Los Gallardos in southern Spain, residents faced a life-or-death decision. They had to choose between sheltering from the smoke or risking evacuation through rapidly spreading flames.
Known for its rich history and mountain landscapes, Azerbaijan's Gabala district is attracting visitors with another seasonal highlight. Vast lavender fields are becoming a key attraction in the region's growing agritourism sector.
Typhoon Bavi churned southeast of Taiwan in the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, its winds easing overnight to just shy of 200 kph (124 mph), as authorities urged residents to stock up on supplies and brace for what could be the most powerful typhoon since 2024.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment