Mysterious ‘Bright Blue Liquid’ Found in Iowa River

A mysterious pool of "bright blue liquid" was found in a small inlet of water near the East Nishnabotna River, leading to an investigation by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Per The Des Moines Register and numerous other outlets, the Iowa DNR received reports of the liquid in question near the Oakland area in Pottawattamie County. The substance was not found directly in the river, but nearby soil showed the liquid had left some stains.

The liquid was first reported to the Iowa DNR on August 11th, and is located near a large storm sewer outlet, per a press release. The city of Oakland and Iowa DNR staff used booms and absorbent pads to prevent further spillage into the East Nishnabotna River.

The Nishnabotna River has had a rough year to say the very least. A fertilizer spill back in March killed nearly all the fish in a 60-mile stretch of the river; a death-toll exceeding 750,000. That was the biggest fish-kill in Iowa in at least 10 years, and the fifth-largest on record. The spill itself was 265,000 gallons of a urea ammonium nitrate solution.

Thankfully, no dead fish have bene observed in lieu of the presence of this still-unidentified blue liquid.

The Iowa DNR is being proactive in lieu of the discovery of this substance. Samples of the blue liquid were collected and promptly sent to the State Hygienic Lab for analysis, but the state has yet to determine what the liquid is at this time.

The Iowa DNR added that anyone who has information about this incident is urged to contact the Atlantic field office at 712-243-1934. Read more on The Des Moines Register's website.