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.
China’s largest city and global financial hub, Shanghai, has set a new heat record, state media reported on Saturday. Temperatures in the city excee...
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan on Thursday to meet his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, with trade and security high on the...
Relations between Russia and China have reached an “unprecedentedly high level,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, highlighting b...
Spain has condemned the U.S. decision to revoke visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials, calling it “unacceptable” an...
China’s largest city and global financial hub, Shanghai, has set a new heat record, state media reported on Saturday. Temperatures in the city exceeded 35°C (95°F) for 25 consecutive days, breaking the previous record set in 1926.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan on Thursday to meet his Japanese counterpart, Shigeru Ishiba, with trade and security high on the agenda.
Relations between Russia and China have reached an “unprecedentedly high level,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday, highlighting both the economic and strategic dimensions of the partnership.
Spain has condemned the U.S. decision to revoke visas for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and 80 other officials, calling it “unacceptable” and urging the European Union to take a leading role in defending Palestinian representation at the UN.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
Pakistan’s eastern towns of Chiniot and Hafizabad are at risk of devastating floods if an irrigation barrage on a major upstream river collapses after torrential rains pushed it beyond capacity, officials warned on Thursday.
Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain have signed an agreement with China to jointly develop a $220 million solar energy project.
A deadly landslide triggered by heavy rain struck a major Hindu pilgrimage route in Jammu, killing at least 30 people and disrupting communication across the region.
Wind farm developer Orsted's plan to raise much-needed capital is at risk following a U.S. order to halt construction of a near-complete project, and the Danish group's share price could come under pressure on Monday, analysts said.
Brazil’s government has ruled out subsidising hotel costs for delegates attending the COP30 climate summit in Belém this November, despite growing concerns over soaring accommodation prices.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment