Ingham County Research Articles

A Community-First Approach to Managing Pandemic Stimulus Funds.

A Community-First Approach to Managing Pandemic Stimulus Funds.

Bark- and Wood-Infesting Insects (Coleoptera and Hymenoptera) and Associated Parasitoids Reared from Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) in Ingham County, Michigan

Bark- and Wood-Infesting Insects (Coleoptera and Hymenoptera) and Associated Parasitoids Reared from Yellow Birch (Betula alleghaniensis) in Ingham County, Michigan

Bark- and Wood-Infesting Coleoptera and Associated Parasitoids Reared from Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) and Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) in Ingham County, Michigan

Bark- and Wood-Infesting Coleoptera and Associated Parasitoids Reared from Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovata) and Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) in Ingham County, Michigan

Microbial pollution characterization at a TMDL site in Michigan: Source identification

Abstract Communities throughout the Great Lakes basin are developing and implementing watershed management plans to address non-point sources of pollution and meet Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements. Investigating sources of microbial contamination in key streams and creeks is critical for the development of effective watershed management plans. This work aims to present an approach that will facilitate source identification. In addition to conventional indicator analysis, the approach includes molecular analysis of species-specific markers and microbial community diversity analysis. We characterized microbial pollution in the Sloan Creek subwatershed in Ingham County MI, an impaired area, located in the Great Lakes Basin. To identify pollution sources (human or animal) and major sites of origin (tributaries with highest pollution loads) water samples were collected from three locations in the subwatershed representing the main creek upstream, main creek downstream, and tributary. A fecal indicator (E. coli) and host-specific human and bovine-associated Bacteroides genetic markers were quantified in all water samples. Results indicated that 54% of the samples from the three locations exceeded the recreational E.coli water quality guidelines. High concentrations of both human and bovine associated-Bacteroides indicated influence of multiple sources of fecal contamination. Statistical tests showed significantly different water characteristics between two of the sampling locations. Whole genome shotgun sequencing indicated fecal and sewer signatures, wastewater metagenome, human gut metagenome, and rumen gut metagenome in the water samples. Results suggested that probable sources of contamination were leakage from septic systems and runoff from agriculture activities nearby to Sloan Creek.

Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure of deer in a suburban landscape

ABSTRACTHunting regulations traditionally applied to manage deer populations in rural areas are not well suited to management in heavily populated suburban landscapes. We evaluated the spatial genetic structure of a suburban deer population to assess the feasibility of localized management at the scale of social groups. We used fecal DNA from white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in suburban Michigan to determine whether deer in suburban landscapes maintain the matrilineal social structure that has been observed in studies of rural deer. We amplified 7 microsatellite loci from fecal pellets (n = 591) collected from August to October 2013 on public and private lands throughout Meridian Township, Ingham County, central Michigan, USA. Based on multi‐locus genotypes, we identified individuals, quantified the extent of spatial genetic structure at multiple spatial scales, identified the location and spatial extent of aggregations of related females and males, and estimated genetic neighborhood size. We also used landscape genetic analyses to evaluate associations between measures of land cover, edge density, the presence of major roads, and inter‐individual genetic distance. Spatial genetic autocorrelation was positive and significant up to a distance of 0.5 km. We did not detect correlations between landscape variables and inter‐individual genetic distance. Results indicate that deer in suburban landscapes exhibit familial structure reported for deer in more rural areas, albeit at a smaller spatial scale, and with substantial overlap among groups. Management at the spatial scales of genetically related groups of deer may be feasible in suburban communities. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

Local bladder cancer clusters in southeastern Michigan accounting for risk factors, covariates and residential mobility.

BackgroundIn case control studies disease risk not explained by the significant risk factors is the unexplained risk. Considering unexplained risk for specific populations, places and times can reveal the signature of unidentified risk factors and risk factors not fully accounted for in the case-control study. This potentially can lead to new hypotheses regarding disease causation.MethodsGlobal, local and focused Q-statistics are applied to data from a population-based case-control study of 11 southeast Michigan counties. Analyses were conducted using both year- and age-based measures of time. The analyses were adjusted for arsenic exposure, education, smoking, family history of bladder cancer, occupational exposure to bladder cancer carcinogens, age, gender, and race.ResultsSignificant global clustering of cases was not found. Such a finding would indicate large-scale clustering of cases relative to controls through time. However, highly significant local clusters were found in Ingham County near Lansing, in Oakland County, and in the City of Jackson, Michigan. The Jackson City cluster was observed in working-ages and is thus consistent with occupational causes. The Ingham County cluster persists over time, suggesting a broad-based geographically defined exposure. Focused clusters were found for 20 industrial sites engaged in manufacturing activities associated with known or suspected bladder cancer carcinogens. Set-based tests that adjusted for multiple testing were not significant, although local clusters persisted through time and temporal trends in probability of local tests were observed.ConclusionQ analyses provide a powerful tool for unpacking unexplained disease risk from case-control studies. This is particularly useful when the effect of risk factors varies spatially, through time, or through both space and time. For bladder cancer in Michigan, the next step is to investigate causal hypotheses that may explain the excess bladder cancer risk localized to areas of Oakland and Ingham counties, and to the City of Jackson.

Abstract T P190: Are There Differences Between US and UK Adults in Stroke Preparedness? Evidence From Parallel Population-Based Community Surveys

Background: Given that pre-hospital delay is the main reason for tPA underutilization, increasing stroke preparedness (i.e. the ability to recognise stroke and contact EMS immediately) is crucial. We sought to determine whether between-country differences exist in stroke preparedness between two different health care systems; US (insurance-based) and UK (universal). Methods: A survey was mailed to population-based samples in Ingham County, Michigan, USA (n=2500) and Newcastle upon Tyne, UK (n=2500). Locations were chosen based on their similar population size and rates of unemployment. Newcastle upon Tyne has a higher population density and fewer racial/ethnic minorities than Ingham County. The survey included 12 stroke and 4 non-stroke scenarios followed by a stroke recognition and behavioural intent question and recorded respondent demographics and past stroke history. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize stroke recognition and preparedness. Linear regression models explored the association of country with stroke recognition and behavioural intent after accounting for demographics and stroke history. Results: Response rates were 27.4% (n=1369) overall (21.7% US, 33.0% UK). Respondents were on average 55 (SD=17) years old (US 56, UK 54) and 58% were female (US 56%, UK 59%). Compared to UK respondents, US respondents were better in recognizing stroke (70% vs. 63%, t(1355)=-4.9, p<0.001, d=0.27) and stating they would call EMS for witnessed stroke (55% vs. 52%, t(1365)=-2.0, p=0.045, d=0.11). Accounting for demographics and stroke history, US respondents were more likely to correctly recognize stroke (β=0.16, p<0.001) and respond appropriately (β=0.06, p=0.04) than UK respondents. Conclusions: US respondents were better at recognising and responding to stroke based scenarios than UK respondents, but response was poor in both groups. Potential reasons for between-country effects will be discussed. Overall, significant gaps in knowledge and behavioural intent remain in both health care systems and suggest the need for aggressive public health based campaigns to improve stroke preparedness.

Establishment and Abundance of <I>Tetrastichus planipennisi</I> (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) in Michigan: Potential for Success in Classical Biocontrol of the Invasive Emerald Ash Borer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)

Tetrastichus planipennisi Yang is a gregarious larval endoparasitoid native to China and has been introduced to the United States since 2007 for classical biological control of the invasive emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, an exotic beetle responsible for widespread ash mortality. Between 2007-2010, T. planipennisi adults (3,311-4,597 females and approximately 1,500 males per site) were released into each of six forest sites in three counties (Ingham, Gratiot, and Shiawassee) of southern Michigan. By the fall of 2012, the proportion of sampled trees with one or more broods of T. planipennisi increased to 92 and 83% in the parasitoid-release and control plots, respectively, from 33 and 4% in the first year after parasitoid releases (2009 fall for Ingham county sites and 2010 for other sites). Similarly, the mean number of T. planipennisi broods observed from sampled trees increased from less than one brood per tree in the first year after parasitoid releases to 2.46 (at control plots) to 3.08 (at release plots) broods by the fall of 2012. The rates of emerald ash borer larval parasitism by T. planipennisi also increased from 1.2% in the first year after parasitoid releases to 21.2% in the parasitoid-release plots, and from 0.2 to 12.8% for the control plots by the fall of 2012. These results demonstrate that T. planipennisi is established in southern Michigan and that its populations are increasing and expanding. This suggests that T. planipennisi will likely play a critical role in suppressing emerald ash borer populations in Michigan.

Yield and quality analyses of bioenergy crops grown on a regulatory brownfield

Agriculture faces unique challenges as increasing world population places unprecedented demands on food, feed, and energy resources. In an effort to become more efficient and sustainable, marginal land, including regulatory brownfields prohibited for food consumption purposes could be utilized for bioenergy crop production. In 2006–2008, we evaluated soybean (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.), canola (Brassica napus L. var. napus), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) to determine crop suitability for bioenergy production on a regulatory brownfield site. Sites selected for the study included a remediated brownfield site in Rose Township, Oakland County, and a historically cropped agricultural site at East Lansing, Ingham County, serving as the control. Comparisons of biofuel quality components were conducted. The total oil yield of oilseed crops was not significantly different (p < 0.05) between locations. Concentrations of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), and linolenic (C18:3) fatty acids differed by location, yet oleic acid concentrations, optimal for quality biodiesel production, were not significantly different across all oilseed crops. Total crystalline cellulose levels from switchgrass were higher at the agricultural land site compared to the brownfield site in 2007 yielding 16% more crystalline cellulose; but there were no differences between locations in 2008. Detectable levels of PCB's were found in soils at the brownfield site; however, transfer to grain or biomass was not detected. Results suggest that brownfield sites have the potential to produce feedstock of suitable quality for conversion to liquid transportation fuels.

Abstract P143: Connecting Quality to Outpatient Practice: Implementing Office-Guideline Applied in Practice Program in Cardiac Care in a Federally Qualified Community Health Center

Background: Much work has been done to improve the quality of care delivered to hospitalized patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, innovative approaches to quality improvement in office settings are less advanced. To address this challenge, we adapted the Michigan in-hospital ACC Guideline Applied in Practice (ACC GAP) AMI initiative to office practice. In this study we sought to 1) Adapt the ACC GAP tools to develop patient-centered secondary prevention tools in outpatient setting 2) Demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the Office-GAP Program in a Federally Qualified Community Health Center (FQCHC) in Ingham County in Michigan. Method: The study design was a process evaluation to test the feasibility of provider training, patient group visit, and use of GAP tools during office visits. A pre and post design assessed use of aspirin, Beta-blockers, ACE-inhibitors, lipid lowering agents, cholesterol assessment, and smoking cessation. Two doctors, 1 nurse-practitioner (NP), 8 staff, and 139 patients with a diagnosis of CAD or diabetes mellitus in one FQCHC participated in this pilot study. Evaluation used participant observation, GAP tools use evaluation and patient and physicians surveys to test each component. Results: All providers and staff attended the 90-minute physician training, while 60/139(43.2%) patients; 25 (41.7%) males, 30 (50%) whites' attended 90-minute group visits. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of an Office-GAP program. Patients with good or complete perceived understanding of CAD increased, 11/58 (19%) Vs 42/58 (72.4%) and patients with little or no understanding of CAD decreased from 45/58 (77.6%) to 13/58 (22.4%) after the group visit. All patients (35) that completed their first follow up with their physician used the GAP tool with their physicians. Preliminary analysis shows an increase in evidence-based medication use; full results will evaluate impact. Conclusion: Implementation of the ACC GAP decision support tools is feasible within the FQCHC and has the potential to improve patient knowledge, and evidence-based medication use for patients with heart disease and diabetes. Further evaluation is needed to establish reach, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of this approach.

Leluthia astigma(Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Doryctinae) as a Parasitoid ofAgrilus planipennisFairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae: Agrilinae), with an Assessment of Host Associations for Nearctic Species ofLeluthiaCameron

Published host associations are assessed for Leluthia astigma (Ashmead), Leluthia floridensis Marsh, and Leluthia mexicana Cameron, the three known species of Leluthia Cameron in the Nearctic Region. Leluthia astigma is reported as a parasitoid of Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, emerald ash borer (EAB), infesting Fraxinus americana L., white ash, in Delaware County, Ohio. It is the first species of Leluthia for which a determined species of Agrilus Curtis has been confirmed as a host and the association vouchered. All other hosts reported in the literature for L. astigma require confirmation through rearing from an isolated host or documentation of an unequivocal host-parasitoid association. Leluthia astigma adults reared from parasitoid cocoons collected in Delaware County, Ohio parasitized and produced F1 adults in the laboratory on last-instar EAB larvae collected in Ingham County, Michigan. Parasitism of EAB and other natural history data are reported for L. astigma, including the first records of L. astigma from Kansas and New York.

From Brown to Green-Reducing Carbon Footprint via Biogas Cogeneration in a Phased Digestion Process Producing Class A Biosolids

Soaring energy costs have made it imperative to reduce consumption of traditional fossil fuels. This has resulted in demand for alternative sources of energy from sustainable localized sources that are considered renewable in nature. Increasingly, the use of biogas from anaerobic digesters to generate process heat and in some case electricity using cogeneration mechanisms have made anaerobic digestion an attractive treatment choice for many small to medium size facilities. Delhi Charter Township Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) located in Ingham County, Michigan has established the states first integrated biomass-to-energy digester system. The plant upgrade included the implementation of a two-phase anaerobic digestion system with a fully integrated state-of-the-art microturbine based cogeneration system. The two-phase anaerobic digestion system is designed to treat primary solids and waste activated sludge to produce Class A biosolids and the microturbine system to capture, treat and utilize biogas to produce heat and electricity. This integrated biomass-to-energy digestion and cogeneration system was designed to help reduce energy consumption in two folds, first, by reducing the volume of sludge to be hauled to the final disposal location by minimizing fuel associated with the transporting of biosolids and second, by minimizing the use of natural gas and electricity usage by locally generating heat for process heating and electricity for electrical operation. At current capacity, the facility is able to reduce electricity consumption by over 40 percent and close to 100 percent of the process heat. This essentially sustains the operation of the solids handing system. The plant demonstrates that wastewater treatment facilities can be designed to significantly reduce consumption of traditional fuels and offset carbon footprint while producing numerous usable bi-products such as Class A biosolids, electricity and process heat. The WWTP is projected to be fully energy independent when the solids treatment facility reaches design capacity.

Exposing Environmental Health Deception as a Government Whistleblower: Turning Critical Ethnography into Public Pedagogy

This article focuses on the author's applied anthropological work with the Ingham County Health Department between 1998 and 2001. Government administrators were reflexively aware that nobody had ever stepped back to assess the area's overall environmental health and rank the issues according to some criteria, such as by the ‘most urgent problems’, and then help resolve them. They requested a holistic analysis. The author, an anthropologist, was hired to investigate virtually all of the environmental health problems in the region. This initiative, as originally conceived, was envisioned as a challenge to traditional ways of doing business at the Environmental Health Bureau of the Health Department. The Health Department leadership explicitly sought to create a model that turned the ‘public's health into the ‘People's Health’. Paradoxically, after several disturbing findings became apparent, Health Department officials began to work diligently to prevent the impending publication of the first report, ‘The Story of Water Resources at Work’ in August 2000. The article describes how the author used the methodology of critical ethnography to chronicle the processes of hegemony in the work environment, and how he acted as a critical public pedagogue by employing extant cultural forms to communicate these corruptions to citizens at large. In so doing it charts the surprising contingencies that resulted from his resistance.

Managing Asthma with Mobile Phones: A Feasibility Study

Asthma is a chronic disease and a growing health problem worldwide. The objective of this pilot study was to test the feasibility and utilization of tracking asthma symptoms through an innovative mobile phone application. The subjects for this research project consisted of 4 individuals who are currently receiving treatment for asthma from a primary care physician in Ingham County, Michigan. Participants took their peak flow reading each day and used the short message service (SMS) function on their phone and sent it to a Web server. If they did not send it by 11 AM, they received a reminder via an automated SMS to their phone. The resulting data suggest that this method of management is feasible. The data also demonstrate participants' satisfaction in monitoring their asthma in this manner. Using mobile phones for asthma management could improve compliance with asthma action plans and reduce adverse asthma events. Future research could further demonstrate that mobile phones are a new and effective method for providing healthcare.

Toward Consistent Evidence-based Pediatric Practice: Developing a Reliable Process for Narrowing Variation: Table.

1. H. Stephen Williams, MD, MPH* 1. *Associate Professor of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, Ann Arbor, Mich Our 12-member university pediatric group, mindful of the variables of practice and committed to thoughtful review, discussion, and consensus-seeking around available evidence, has taken advantage of the recognized need to develop and introduce into our practice an interactive process that promises to narrow variation in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to common problems encountered in the office. This effort was designed to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of care, reduce confusion among patients and parents, promote recruitment and retention of families, and strengthen medical student and resident teaching. In this article, we share the process developed, results to date, and planned future applications. We also invite suggestions to strengthen the usefulness of this evolving process. The Department of Pediatrics in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University maintains three private practice outpatient clinics and provides contractual services to three Ingham County Community Health Department sites. The 12 faculty members include 11 Board-certified pediatricians, both DOs and MDs, and 1 PhD nurse practitioner. Although some research is carried out, members are focused primarily on the teaching of medical students and residents and the delivery of care to patients. Experience of the participants in pediatrics after training varies from 1 to 30 years. Extensive and difficult-to-defend variation in practice was identified initially in the landmark studies of John Wennberg at Dartmouth University. Physicians committed to evidence-based practice must integrate reproducible research-based findings regarding efficiency and effectiveness in diagnosis and treatment into clinical settings where experience and expertise vary widely and patient preferences must be respected. In terms of patients seen, time pressures experienced, patient expectations encountered, and financial challenges felt, our practice is no different from most general pediatric practices that teach students and residents. The author’s impression, after having been in this practice for nearly 1 year, was that the range …

Children and the War on Iraq: Developmental Differences in Fear Responses to Television News Coverage

The purpose of this study was to examine age-related differences in children's responses to news coverage of the War on Iraq. To this end, a random sample of 161 parents of 5- to 17-year-olds in Ingham County, Michigan was surveyed about their child's fear responses to the war and patterns of exposure. Using developmental theory and research, age-related hypotheses were advanced. The results show that 13- to 17-year-olds reportedly watched more news coverage of the war and experienced greater fear/concern than did 5- to 8-year-olds. Also consistent with predictions, younger children were reportedly more scared by concrete, visual dangers depicted in the news whereas older children were reportedly more scared by abstract, verbally communicated threats. Despite multiple controls, news viewing of the War on Iraq was a significant and positive predictor of children's heightened safety concerns but not behavioral manifestations of upset.

Perspectives from the Front Lines of Tobacco Control

This research is designed to share valuable experiences and transferable principles from program staff of the Legacy/Community Voices initiative who have been involved in planning, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining tobacco control activities in underserved communities. Interviews were conducted with 13 front line staff from 9 sites: Alameda County, California; Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Ingham County, Michigan; Miami, Florida; New Mexico; North Carolina; Northern Manhattan; and West Virginia. A model emerged from these interviews that places the life cycle of a program in a central position, with many of the identified themes (working with local champions, obtaining support from multiple partners, increasing organizational capacity) repeated throughout, albeit in different forms at different stages. Reflecting upon wisdom gained and identifying best processes for such work may help ensure that tobacco control programs are developed that are culturally safe and effective in meeting the needs of diverse communities throughout the United States.

Perspectives from the Front Lines of Tobacco Control

This research is designed to share valuable experiences and transferable principles from program staff of the Legacy/Community Voices initiative who have been involved in planning, implementing, evaluating, and sustaining tobacco control activities in underserved communities. Interviews were conducted with 13 front line staff from 9 sites: Alameda County, California; Detroit, Michigan; El Paso, Texas; Ingham County, Michigan; Miami, Florida; New Mexico; North Carolina; Northern Manhattan; and West Virginia. A model emerged from these interviews that places the life cycle of a program in a central position, with many of the identified themes (working with local champions, obtaining support from multiple partners, increasing organizational capacity) repeated throughout, albeit in different forms at different stages. Reflecting upon wisdom gained and identifying best processes for such work may help ensure that tobacco control programs are developed that are culturally safe and effective in meeting the needs of diverse communities throughout the United States.

Detection of a Phytophthora sp. Causing Asparagus Spear and Root Rot in Michigan.

In the spring of 2004, a Phytophthora sp. was isolated from asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) spears, roots, and dormant crowns from several fields in Oceana and Ingham counties in Michigan. Symptomatic spears were often curved, had water-soaked lesions slightly above or below the soil line or were shriveled at the site of infection or both. Infected storage roots had water-soaked lesions but were not soft at the lesion site. Infected crowns had fewer roots than healthy crowns. In the laboratory, plant tissues were rinsed in tap water and blotted dry. Sections from the edge of lesions were placed aseptically onto BARP (25 ppm of benomyl, 100 ppm of ampicillin, 30 ppm of rifampicin, and 100 ppm of pentachloroni-trobenzene) amended unclarified V8 juice agar and incubated at 25°C for up to 7 days. Phytophthora sp. isolates recovered from the infected material produced ovoid, nonpapillate, noncaducous sporangia and amphigy-nous oospores on isolation media. Single-sporangium cultures made for each isolate were stored long term in sterile 2-ml microcentrifuge tubes containing two 7-mm mycelial plugs, two sterile hemp seeds, and 1 ml of sterile distilled water. Sporangia produced on dilute V8 juice agar averaged 45 μm long × 26 μm wide and oospores were 25 to 30 μm in diameter. Chlamydospores were not observed. Five detached 'Jersey Knight' spears were inoculated with a 7-mm mycelial plug from the edge of actively growing 5-day-old cultures and incubated at 23 to 25°C for 5 to 7 days in a moist chamber. After 3 days, water-soaked lesions and shriveling and curving of the spears were visible on all inoculated spears. The pathogen was always reisolated from the lesion edge. No symptoms were observed when spears were inoculated with sterile V8 juice agar plugs. DNA was extracted from representative isolates, and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified with ITS6 and ITS4 primers and sequenced. A BLAST search of the NCBI database with the ITS sequence revealed Phytophthora sp. UQ2141, Accession No. AF266795, as the closest match with 99% sequence similarity. These results, coupled with the morphological characteristics of the isolates, indicate that the Phytophthora sp. isolated from asparagus in Michigan is among the constituents of Phytophthora spp. included in the P. megasperma clade 6 (2), whose taxa are currently being reevaluated. Although a Phytophthora sp. has been described previously on asparagus (1,3), this is the first report, to our knowledge, of a Phytophthora sp. on asparagus in Michigan. The occurrence of excessive rainfall in the spring of 2004 is likely responsible for widespread disease and considerable yield losses in production fields.

Mechanism of regional enrichment of groundwater by boron: the examples of Bangladesh and Michigan, USA

In Bangladesh, concentrations of boron in groundwater reach 2.1 mg L −1and are high regionally in alluvial aquifers of Late Pleistocene/Holocene age. Concentrations exceed 0.5 mg L −1 across approximately 6700 km 2 of the deep aquifer (>150 m depth) and 3000 km 2 of the shallow aquifer (<150 m depth). In the Carboniferous sandstone and shale aquifers in Ingham County, Michigan, concentrations reach 6.1 mg L −1 and high values are widespread in the NE of the county. These concentrations exceed the regulatory guideline values for human consumption of 0.5 mg L −1 (WHO) or 0.9 mg L −1 (USA). The boron has desorbed from mineral surfaces as freshwater flushing displaces saline waters from the aquifers. In Bangladesh, desorption is driven by decreasing ionic strength, the equilibrium re-adjustment of mineral sorption sites to the low boron concentration in freshwater, and competitive exchange with HCO 3/CO 3. In deep Bangladesh aquifers in Barisal District (>250 m deep), boron enrichment delineates a buried estuary marking a previous course of the Ganges and/or Brahmaputra rivers. Boron enrichment is accompanied by ion-exchange that depletes Ca and enriches Na in the flushing freshwater. The patterns of enrichment and depletion indicate the direction of water quality change, in terms of salinization or freshening, with greater sensitivity than absolute chemical parameters.