IS THERE DEUTERIUM IN THE Z=3.32 COMPLEX IN THE SPECTRUM OF 0014+813

The redshift z(abs) = 3.32 absorption complex towards the z(em) = 3.42 quasar 00 14 + 813 has components of high H I column density and know n very low heavy-element abundances. One of these components, at z(abs ) = 3.3211, shows a possible deuterium feature. If this identification is correct, then the D/H ratio in this system is approximately 2.5 x 10(-4). This suggests that the baryon density in the Universe is close to the value estimated from consideration of luminous matter only, an d that much of the proposed dark matter is non-baryonic. There is a si gnificant probability, however, that the putative deuterium feature ar ises from a confusing Lyalpha system, so this suggestion requires test ing with further observational material.