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.
Just one week after a similar move by Australia, Greece announced that it will ban access to social m...
U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not think he will need China's help to end the war with Iran as he le...
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the size of his motorcade to save fuel, a government...
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet in Beijing on...
Azerbaijan’s Eurovision team are confident singer Jiva will secure a place in ...
U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet in Beijing on 14–15 May 2026 for a high-stakes summit aimed at managing rising tensions over trade, technology, Taiwan and the Iran conflict.
Azerbaijan’s Eurovision team are confident singer Jiva will secure a place in the contest’s final after performing in the second semi-final in Vienna on Thursday evening (14 May).
Divisions over the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran are set to overshadow a two-day meeting of the BRICS group of emerging economies in the Indian capital New Delhi on Thursday (14 May).
Former Georgia rugby captain Merab Sharikadze has been banned for 11 years after an anti-doping probe uncovered sample swapping in the national team. Several other players and the Georgian Rugby Union were also sanctioned
Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf state's KUNA news agency reported on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a senior IRGC officer said Iran had expanded its definition of the Strait of Hormuz to include a far wider area.
Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.
Biological samples from an Italian man were transferred to a specialist hospital for testing on Tuesday, after he was suspected of contracting hantavirus. Meanwhile, World Health Organization boss Tedros Ghebreyesus said there were “no sign” of a larger outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise.
Exclusive flight-tracking material obtained by AnewZ has raised new questions about French military aircraft movements linked to President Emmanuel Macron’s recent diplomacy with Armenia and the wider scope of France’s defence cooperation with Yerevan.
Just one week after a similar move by Australia, Greece announced that it will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, as governments around the world weigh tougher rules amid growing concerns over mental health, safety and screen addiction.
Climate change has driven a record surge in wildfires across Africa, Asia and other regions this year, with scientists warning that conditions are likely to worsen further as the northern hemisphere enters summer and El Niño weather patterns intensify.
Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.
Kazakhstan has ratified a regional green energy agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, signalling Central Asia’s ambition to become a key supplier of renewable energy to international markets.
China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.
Global weather forecasters predict a strong El Niño will develop in the second half of 2026, bringing hotter, drier conditions to much of Asia while increasing rainfall in parts of North and South America.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment