Lagoon in Patagonia turns pink due to pollution

A lagoon in Patagonia is currently turning pink after fishing companies in the region discharged chemicals. The phenomenon is of great concern to the local population in the South American region.

“For us, this is the image of negligence on the part of the authorities of the province. Those who have to control it are just those who allow the poisoning of the population,” denounced ecologist Pablo Lado.

The Corfo Lagoon, which covers 10 to 15 hectares, is located 30 kilometers from the Argentine city of Trelew, a city of 120,000 inhabitants in the Chubut province.

The pink color is explained by the presence of sodium sulfite, an antibacterial preservative used for the storage of Norway lobster. Residents of the province also complain about foul odors and the spread of insects.

According to Juan Micheloud, responsible for environmental management in the province, the pink color does not cause any damage and will disappear within a few days.