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