Maryland has been awarded $560,000 in federal money toward setting up scientific tripwires to detect possible outbreaks of Pfiesteria, a toxic microbe believed to have triggered fish kills in the waterways of several Atlantic states. The state has already allocated $1 million for testing.

Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida were also given grants by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency to test rivers and streams for Pfiesteria piscicida. Researchers believe farmland pollutants render the microbe toxic.

The new money "will ensure that the tools are in place to research the health of our waterways," said U.S. Sen. Paul S. Sarbanes, a Maryland Democrat.

Pub Date: 7/02/98