Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Fuzzy logic water quality

Fuzzy logic water quality

April 18, 2008

Broad analysis of pollutants using fuzzy logic could guide water quality improvement

A fuzzy logic approach to analyzing water quality could help reduce the number of people in the developing world forced to drink polluted and diseased water for survival. Writing in a forthcoming issue of the International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, an Inderscience publication, researchers from the University of Malaya, explain how a new approach to water quality assessment uses fuzzy logic to combine disparate problems and provide a more accurate indicator of overall quality.




Rivers are often the main source of freshwater resources for citizens of developing nations. Their social well-being, economics and political development float on the availability and distribution of these freshwater resources. However, in many parts of the world dam construction, irrigation development, and flood mitigation have led to an increased incidence of diseases, such as malaria, Japanese encephalitis, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis and others.

Water quality assessment is an essential part for maintaining good water quality, explained by Ramani Bai Gopinath and Mohamad Rom Tamjis. They explain that a river ecosystem and the quality of the water depend mainly on pH (acidity), levels of dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand, suspended solids, and the presence of chemicals including chlorides, phosphates, nitrates and sodium.

The researchers have developed a data mining approach to water quality assessment that uses a Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) to extract patterns of river water quality from water sampling data. They have demonstrated the efficacy of this approach using data collected from the river Kerayong of the Klang river basin in West Malaysia.

The principle of "fuzzy" analysis is based on using approximations in the calculations rather than precise values to give a broad and potentially more useful response. Moreover it allows disparate parameters to be combined in a meaningful way even though their values may not be related. Just as apples and oranges are different but all represent the quality of fruitiness, so biochemical oxygen demand and chemical concentrations, for instance, may represent a particular aspect of water quality and so can be combined through fuzzy analysis.

In the present study, the fuzzy analysis of the river Kerayong reveals that it is highly polluted river with a very low water quality index, despite superficial analysis of individual parameters are necessary. This suggests that the quality of life of those relying on the river as a freshwater source could be improved considerably by addressing the individual pollution problems.

"We recommend further studies on data mining capabilities of the Fuzzy Inference System using more than six indicators of water quality," the researchers conclude.

Inderscience Publishers



Related Water Quality Current Events and Water Quality News Articles Water Quality Current Events and Water Quality News RSS Water Quality Current Events and Water Quality News RSS
NOAA deploys new 'smart buoy' off Annapolis
NOAA deployed the seventh in a series of "smart buoys" to monitor weather conditions and water quality in the Chesapeake Bay today.

Monash study suggests rainwater is safe to drink
A world first study by Monash University researchers into the health of families who drink rainwater has found that it is safe to drink.

Sensor biochips could aid in cancer diagnosis and treatment
It is very difficult to predict whether a cancer drug will help an individual patient: only around one third of drugs will work directly in a given patient.

Study shows more corn for biofuels would hurt water
More of the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow corn would find their way into nearby water sources if ethanol demands lead to planting more acres in corn, according to a Purdue University study.

How Good Are Indicator Bacteria at Predicting Pathogens in Recreational Water?
Bacteria commonly used to indicate health risks in recreational waters might not be so reliable after all. Pathogenic E. coli were pervasive in stream-water samples with low concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria.

'Green Clean:' Researchers Determining Natural Ways To Clean Contaminated Soil
Researchers at North Carolina State University are working to demonstrate that trees can be used to degrade or capture fuels that leak into soil and ground water. Through a process called phytoremediation - literally a "green" technology - plants and trees remove pollutants from the environment or render them harmless.

Water quality in orbit
Space is not a fun place to get a stomach bug. To ensure drinking water is adequately disinfected, University of Utah chemists developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that just started six months of tests aboard the International Space Station.

Pesticides -- easier detection of pollution and impact in rivers
The long-term effects of pesticides on living organisms in rivers and on water quality can now be assessed more easily.

Researchers achieve major breakthrough with water desalination system
Concern over access to clean water is no longer just an issue for the developing world, as California faces its worst drought in recorded history.

Australia's top models at science conference
Australia's top models will take centre stage in Cairns this week as scientists meet to discuss ways to understand climate change, improve air safety and enhance agricultural sustainability.
More Water Quality Current Events and Water Quality News Articles
Water Quality: Characteristics, Modeling and Modification

Water Quality: Characteristics, Modeling and Modification
by George Tchobanoglous (Author), Edward D. Schoeder (Author)



Pro-Lab Incorporated WQ105 Complete Household Water Quality Test Kit

Pro-Lab Incorporated WQ105 Complete Household Water Quality Test Kit
by Pro-Lab

Professional Water Quality Test Kit, Safe & Easy To Use, Checks For Toxins In Water, Accurate Instant Water Test, Non-Toxic Laboratory Grade Test Strips, When Moistened With Water, Provide The Most Effective & Reliable Results Possible, Contains 18 Instant Test Strips, That Can Perform 9 Different Tests, Enough Strips For Testing 2 Samples Of Each Test, EPA Approved Lab Methods.

Clean Water: An Introduction to Water Quality and Pollution Control

Clean Water: An Introduction to Water Quality and Pollution Control
by Kenneth M. Vigil (Author)

"Clean Water" is a book for anyone who is concerned about this precious resource and wants to become better informed. In straightforward language, Kenneth Vigil provides a comprehensive introduction to the many scientific, regulatory, and geographic issues associated with water quality and water pollution control.

Most other books on water quality and pollution control are highly technical and very specific, and are aimed at engineers, scientists, or attorneys. "Clean Water," on the other hand, is a comprehensive discussion of the subject intended for a wider audience of science students, educators, and concerned citizens.

Using photos and diagrams to illustrate and explain concepts, Vigil provides sufficient detail to educate readers about many broad topics and includes...

Sigg Lifestyle Loop Top Water Bottle (1.0-Liters, Swiss Quality, Aluminum)

Sigg Lifestyle Loop Top Water Bottle (1.0-Liters, Swiss Quality, Aluminum)
by Sigg

The SIGG Bottle with the seal of approval. A sign of premium quality exactly as youd expect from things Swiss. The proprietary SIGG bottle lining is a water-based, non-toxic coating taht is baked into the interior walls and remains flexible and crack resistant for the life of the bottle. Due to the finish of the liner, there is much less chance for bacteria build-up with a SIGG as opposed to plastic containers. The liner is taste-neutral and resistant to fruit acids and energy drinks, ensuring that your drinks taste like your drinks every time. Sigg bottles exceed FDA requirements and have been independently tested to prove 0.0% leeching. About 20% lighter weight than a lexan plastic bottle, SIGGS are incredibly durable, virtually unbreakable.

  Water Quality Technology Conference Proceedings CD-Rom
by American Water Works Assn



Liv Sure Water Tester

Liv Sure Water Tester
by Surround Air

The easiest way to make sure you're drinking clean water! Answer important questions such as: Is my water purifier really working? Do my filters need to be changed? Is my tap water safe to drink? Is my bottled water really purified? Is the restaurant water safe to drink? Is the aquarium water clean enough for my fish? Is my spa, pool or shower water contaminated? Quick and easy to use. Just fill the built-in cup to the line, push the button, and wait only a few seconds for a reading. It is that easy to find out just how clean or unclean your drinking water really is! The Liv Sure Water Tester is small enough to fit in your pocket. This way, you can take it out with you and test the drinking water at restaurants or wherever else you go. There is no need to squint to see the...

Award Winner! Wader Quality Toys: Garbage Truck for Beach, Sand or Water Play!

Award Winner! Wader Quality Toys: Garbage Truck for Beach, Sand or Water Play!
by Wader

Award Winner! Wader Quality Toys: Garbage Truck for Beach, Sand or Water Play! This item is made in Germany of strong, safe, durable plastic in happy, bright colors. Sturdy construction and soft edges make this a perfect toy for younger children. Ages 12 months & up. Wader Quality Toys is one of the few toy manufacturers to remain loyal to Germany as a production site (toys are no made in China)! Wader Quality Toys conform to the highest Quality Control Tests! Size: 9.5" x 5" x 5.5".

Knife in the Water - Criterion Collection

Knife in the Water - Criterion Collection
Starring: Anna Ciepielewska, Zygmunt Malanowicz, Leon Niemczyk, Jolanta Umecka
Also With: Zygmunt Malanowicz (Primary Contributor), Leon Niemczyk (Primary Contributor), Jolanta Umecka (Primary Contributor)

Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 09/30/2003 Run time: 94 minutes

Home Water Quality Test Kit

Home Water Quality Test Kit
by Industrial Test Systems Inc

Industrial Test Systems, Inc., innovators of test strip technology, unveils the latest in a long line of comprehensive drinking water quality test kits. This Home Water Quality Test Kit measures for Bacteria, Nitrates, Nitrites, Hydrogen Sulfide, Total Hardness, Total Alkalinity, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Chloride, Copper, Sulfate, Iron, & pH. You'll get rapid, comprehensive results that help to ensure safe drinking water without sacrificing cost. Spec Summary:

  Designer Contrast Trim Scrub Set (X-Small, Water Blue / Black)
by Lucky Scrubs

The first scrub brand that is eligible for free Amazon shipping and Amazon Prime! The Lucky Scrubs Contrast Trim Set is designed with your sense of style, comfort, and budget in mind. Whether you wear scrubs to work or casually you will love your Lucky Scrubs!

© 2009 BrightSurf.com