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TITLE: Microorganism in river less toxic

EST. PAGES: 1

DATE: 05/20/97

DOCID: BSUN513235

SOURCE: The Baltimore Sun; BSUN

EDITION: FINAL; SECTION: METRO; PAGE: 14B

(Copyright 1997 @ The Baltimore Sun Company)

Scrutiny of water and mud samples found none of the microorganism that had been suspected of harming fish in a lower Eastern Shore river, a Maryland Department of Natural Resources spokesman said yesterday.

John Surrick, the spokesman, said a scientist in Florida had tentatively identified Pfiesteria piscicida in the Pocomoke River samples sent to her. But a subsequent examination with an electron microscope indicated the presence of a less toxic microorganism.

To allay fishermen's concerns about what may be causing sores on fish in the Pocomoke, state scientists plan to test the river from its mouth to Snow Hill. They will check water quality and search for harmful organisms, Surrick said.

Pub Date: 5/20/97

DESCRIPTORS: MARYLAND