Venetian authorities reveal why the canal has turned fluorescent green

CNN
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A mysterious patch of fluorescent green water that appeared in Venice The famous Grand Canal Environmental authorities said Sunday’s cause was a chemical commonly used in underwater construction to help identify leaks.

The chemical – fluorescein – is non-toxic. It’s still not clear how this material ended up in the canal, but Venice’s regional environmental agency (ARPAV) said that given the volume emitted, it was unlikely to be an accident.

Residents first noticed this green spot near the Rialto Bridge on Sunday morning local time and it grew slowly during the day.

Pictures showed gondolas, water taxis and water bus boats zipping through the emerald material.

No group has claimed responsibility for the act, and local police are investigating a number of leads, including environmental activity, a Venice police spokesperson told CNN.

More test results are expected later this week, which could help determine the exact amount of the substance in the water.

Luca Zaia, president of the Venice region, warned that environmental activists may be doing copycat work.

More test results are expected later this week, which could help determine the exact amount of the substance in the water.

Curious coloring came up City We celebrated the Vogalonga Boat Event, created to combat wave action, restore Venetian traditions and help spread interest in the environment and nature as well as the Architecture Biennale, which opened last weekend.

This is not the first time that the Grand Canal in Venice has changed color.

In 1968, during the annual Venice Biennale, Argentine artist Nicolás García Uriburu dyed the waters of the canal green with a fluorescent dye called fluorescein. The move is designed to draw attention to environmental issues and the relationship between nature and civilization.