Toxic Splendor on the Gowanus Canal
On the hottest days, pollutants in the Gowanus Canal bubble up to the surface, creating a toxic slick that is at once kaleidoscopic and deadly. This mesmerizing yet hazardous phenomenon transforms the canal’s surface into a swirling canvas of iridescent hues. The vibrant patterns, reminiscent of oil on water, mask the dangerous cocktail of contaminants lurking beneath. As temperatures rise, this toxic beauty serves as a stark reminder of the canal’s long history of industrial pollution and the ongoing environmental challenges it faces.
