Chemical Spill from Truck Crash Turns São Paulo River Electric Blue, Wildlife Affected

Vivid Dye Spill Stuns Residents and Alarms Experts

On May 13, 2025, a truck transporting industrial dye crashed into a utility pole in the Jardim das Tulipas neighborhood, rupturing containers carrying around 2,000 liters of blue dye.

The dye spilled onto the road and drained into a nearby manhole, which connects directly to the Corrego das Tulipas stream. The chemical-laced water quickly flowed into the river system, turning it and surrounding wildlife visibly blue.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said one local, describing the spectacle as “beautiful and horrifying.”

Birds Turn Blue, Fish Die Instantly

Footage of blue-stained ducks and geese swimming in the vivid waters has gone viral. Wildlife rescue teams rushed to the site and managed to capture and clean several affected birds, including three geese and two ducks. Some lost feathers during the cleaning process, but most are expected to recover.

The fish population, however, suffered immediate and severe losses. Jorge Bellix de Campos, president of environmental NGO Mata Ciliar, confirmed that fish began dying as soon as the chemical touched the water. “The chemical altered the water’s pH instantly. It was lethal,” he said.

Experts fear the spill has destroyed not only fish but also crucial microorganisms that support the entire river ecosystem.

What’s in the Dye?

Officials confirmed the spilled chemical was an acetic acid-based dye typically used in producing Styrofoam and egg cartons. While not among the most toxic industrial chemicals, the dye is still highly acidic and can be dangerous in large quantities.

According to Karmactive, Colonel João Gimenez of the Jundiaí Civil Defense called the situation serious but manageable: “It’s a contaminant, but it could have been worse. Still, it’s hazardous to aquatic life.”

The dye not only lowered the river’s pH but also blocked sunlight from penetrating the water, potentially disrupting photosynthesis for aquatic plants and algae.

Cleanup Underway, But Concerns Linger

Emergency teams from São Paulo’s environmental agency CETESB have begun deploying floating barriers to contain the spread. They are also testing water quality at various points along the river and coordinating wildlife rescue efforts. Birds affected by the dye are being treated with special detergents and activated charcoal.

Still, experts warn the environmental damage may persist long after the water clears. Fish may suffer from long-term reproductive issues, and birds that feed on contaminated prey could face health risks. The dye has already spread into neighboring municipalities, raising fears of broader contamination.

Authorities have cordoned off access to the contaminated area and issued warnings to the public to stay away from the water.

As cleanup efforts continue, the once-picturesque stream now serves as a warning of how quickly human negligence can upend natural ecosystems—and how slowly nature recovers.

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