# River Pollution Pranks Glowing Green River Caused by Pranksters? By Peter Vallas | Published 2011-01-09 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glowing-green-river References: [ca.news.yahoo](http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/dailybrew/non-toxic-chemical-turned-b-c-river-green-20110105-111801-709.html) Glowing green rivers? The Goldstream river on Vancouver Island became iridescent glowing green, boggling scientists and locals alike. The pictured stretch of the Goldstream river was transformed into a [neon glowing green river](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fluorescence) using an additive called Fluorescein. Although the suspect has not been caught, the [pollution prank](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grinch-green-dozen) appears to be the work of pranksters... Are [glowing green rivers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glowinthedark1) simply the latest form of graffiti? The pranksters were obviously knowledgeable because Fluorescein is a non-toxic synthetic compound. Having said that, the prank is still likely to upset eco activists and local authorities. The fluorescein compound that created the glowing green river is allegedly safe, but our quick research indicated that it can cause severe reactions to humans, including rare cases of anaphylactic shock. Will this prank spark ideas for pranksters around the world? ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Graffiti](https://www.trendhunter.com/graffiti) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Glowing River Pranks:** The trend of pranking and polluting rivers with safe but unnerving compounds like Fluorescein. - **Eco-vandalism:** The trend of using non-toxic but disruptive ways to make a statement on environmental issues. - **DIY Pollution:** The trend of individuals experimenting with synthetic compounds to alter natural environments. ### Where This Applies - **Environmental Activism:** These pranks can be seen as a method to bring attention to environmental issues and engage local communities to take action to protect their natural resources. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Places that have natural beauty will need to focus on ways to protect their environments while continuing to attract eco-tourists, experiencing a trend in sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations and activities. - **Chemical Manufacturing:** This trend could inspire chemical manufacturers and scientists to find non-toxic substances that can be used for unique purposes, such as detecting pollution in waterways. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Glowing Water Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glowyld-collection.md) - [Glow-in-the-Dark Water Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glow-in-the-dark-water-bottle.md) - [Organic Water Quality Testers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colores-del-rio.md) - [Fluorescent Gummy Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sour-patch-kids-glow-ups.md) - [Green Movie-Celebrating Cocktails](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emerald-elixir.md) - [Plant-Powered Neon Mascaras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neon-mascara.md) - [Glowing Movie Campaign Murals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-mural.md) - [Glowing Gummy Candies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/strawberry-watermelon-glow-ups.md) - [Eerie Glowing Juice Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ghoul-aid.md)