'Blood Rain' Invades Villages In Spain

A type of precipitation known as ''blood rain'' filled the ponds and lakes in the villages of Zamora in Spain last fall and winter, after a green microalgae turned into a reddish color, since it was "in a state of stress."

"The reddish staining is caused by Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater green microalgae that is capable of synthesizing a red carotene pigment called astaxanthin when in a state of stress," Javier Fernández-Lozano, a geologist and co-author of the study, said in a news release.

The green microalgae were present in various water bodies and turned red once they was under a state of stress, this left villagers in shock. Researchers at the University of Salamanca were able to determine what caused the water's red color, however they were unable to identify its origin.

Haematococcus pluvialis algae have been used extensively in the food, pharmaceutical and automotive industries.

Pharmaceutical companies have adapted the antioxidant properties from Haematococcus pluvialis. Also, fish farms are using the algae as a source of food for salmon and trout, so that they develop their rich red color. In addition, motorcycle company Yamaha uses Haematococcus pluvialis to reduce CO2 emissions in their factories.

The last known occurance of 'blood rain' was in Kerala, India, in 2001.

The findings of this study were published in the Spanish Royal Society of Natural History Journal.

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