FROM THE ROAD.

Venice's Grand Canal turns phosphorescent green: what might have happened

A strange green phosphorescent blob appeared on the famous Grand Canal in the heart of the wonderful city of Venice, arousing the attention and concern of residents and tourists alike.

On Sunday, numerous reports reached the authorities, who promptly investigated to track down those responsible for the incident. Understanding the type of substance poured into the canal is the priority, to prevent possible poisoning and damage to people's health.

At the moment, investigations are still ongoing to solve the mystery of the phosphorescent green liquid, but a number of hypotheses have already been examined. The latest news, source ANSA.

ANSA
Venice's Grand Canal turns phosphorescent green: what happened
A strange green phosphorescent blob appeared on the famous Grand Canal in the heart of the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, raising the attention and concern of residents and tourists alike. During the day on Sunday, numerous reports reached the authorities, who promptly investigated to track down those responsible for the incident. Understanding the type of substance poured into the canal is the priority, to prevent possible poisoning and damage to people's health. At the moment, investigations are still ongoing to solve the mystery of the phosphorescent green liquid, but a number of hypotheses have already been examined. The latest news, source ANSA.
ANSA
What happened
On Sunday, many people, residents and numerous tourists, reported to the police the presence of the strange green stain under the Rialto Bridge. Samples were immediately taken and we are now almost certain why the water has turned a phosphorescent green colour.
ANSA
The liquid
The first results of the checks on the liquid taken from the Rialto indicated that it was a kind of 'tracer', a liquid that is injected into pipes or urban drains in the event of a water leak, in order to understand its path. The population did not run any risk because the liquid is neither toxic nor harmful to the lagoon waters.
ANSA
Managers
There were two initial hypotheses: demonstrative act in the name of environmental protection or vandalism. According to other, less probable hypotheses, the liquid could have come from the exhaust pipes of some private homes. However, to date the culprit has not been identified and the investigation is still ongoing.
ANSA
Conclusion
The 'tracer liquid' hypothesis was recently confirmed by ARPAV, the regional agency for environmental prevention and protection in Veneto. As Maurizio Vesco, director of Arpav Venezia, put it: 'The examinations and analyses of the Grand Canal water have not yet been completed, but we are leaning towards this hypothesis. The substance is therefore not harmful and apart from the considerable economic expense involved, although unpleasant, the fact should not cause any long-term consequences.
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