Virginia scientists refine fish kill search

With spring approaching, Virginia scientists are planning a more comprehensive attack to find the cause of the mysterious fish kills in the [Shenandoah River](http://www.potomacwatershed.net/ijourney/shenando/shenando.html “Potomac Watershed’s Shenandoah River Page”) and its tributaries.

State agencies will continue practices of monitoring water quality and testing fish specimens that they’ve conducted since thousands of fish began dying for unexplained reasons three years ago.

For the first time, state officials will use monitoring devices containing a liquid that attracts certain types of compounds. This will be a way to find compounds that might not show up on regular measurements but would show high concentrations over time.

Scientists also will pay attention to water quality before, during and after storms to see what changes occur from runoff.

Read (AP via MSNBC)