Fluorescent colors are recorded in sea waves in Republika Srpska; Watch the video and understand the phenomenon Rio Grande do Sul

Those who were in Praia da Guarita, in Torres, on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul, in the early hours of Friday (22), can watch the show from their boxes: The sea waves shone in shades of blue.

But whoever thinks that this happened on anyone’s initiative or that it was a reflection of moonlight is mistaken. Those responsible were small marine organisms. This phenomenon is called Bioluminescence (Find out more below).

Gabriele Zaparoli, who was at the seaside at the time, recorded the event at around 2 a.m. (Watch the video above and photos throughout the report).

What is bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is a property found in many organisms, such as fireflies and mushrooms, explains marine biologist Elizabeth Cabral, a professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). In Torres’ case There was dinoflagellate plankton activity.

“It’s a process where light is emitted through a chemical reaction, and it will have several functions. Some organisms use it to communicate, others to avoid predators, and others to attract prey or sexual partners,” he explains.

According to the professor, plankton is present along the entire Brazilian coast. The most favorable conditions for bioluminescent flowers to flourish are warmer and calmer water.

“In order to get this beautiful view, where the water is shining, it has to be in large numbers,” he comments.

This type of bloom is non-toxic and poses no risks to swimmers. Pollution and rain carry more nutrients to the coast, increasing the numbers of these organisms.

During the day they can be seen but without lighting. The appearance of dinoflagellates in bright environments is reddish.