Water Toxicity Assessment via Sensor Normalization and AI Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to effectively assess the overall toxicity of water due to the lack of a normalized index for contaminants, varying reference data sources, and the evolving nature of contaminants, making it difficult to identify hazardous combinations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing natural language interpretation, artificial intelligence, and web scraping to categorize and stratify contaminants, providing a normalized means of comparison and continuously updated listings, which uses sensors to detect contaminants and AI to predict unanticipated effects from combinations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional contaminant listing methods are used, then individual contaminants can be identified, but the overall toxicity and hazardous combinations cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the complex task of toxicity assessment into distinct modules: sensor data collection, data normalization against EPA standards, contaminant categorization, interaction analysis, and toxicity scoring. This modular approach enables comprehensive toxicity assessment while managing system complexity through structured decomposition of the assessment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that normalizes sensor data against EPA drinking water standards and facilitates comparison between different contaminant types. This intermediary normalization process enables accurate toxicity assessment by providing a common reference framework, bridging the gap between raw sensor data and meaningful toxicity evaluation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reference data sources are used, then comprehensive contaminant information can be obtained, but data normalization and comparison become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a universal normalization framework based on EPA drinking water standards that can process and compare data from multiple sensor types and reference sources. This multi-functional approach enables the system to handle diverse contaminant data while maintaining consistent comparison criteria, achieving both comprehensive coverage and simplified processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms contaminant data from various sources into a standardized parameter format for comparison against EPA standards. By changing the representation parameters of different contaminant measurements to a common scale, the system achieves versatile contaminant detection while simplifying data processing and normalization.
3Reliability
If static contaminant lists are used, then current known contaminants can be tracked, but evolving contaminants and new hazards cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static contaminant lists to a dynamic assessment framework that continuously updates toxicity evaluations based on current sensor data and EPA standards. This dynamic approach maintains reliable identification of known contaminants while automatically adapting to detect new hazards and evolving contaminants through continuous monitoring and reassessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor data continuously informs toxicity assessments, which are then compared against EPA standards to identify new or evolving hazards. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain accurate identification of current contaminants while adapting to emerging threats, ensuring both reliability and versatility.
4Measurement precision
If individual contaminant analysis is performed, then specific contaminants can be detected, but combination effects and synergistic toxicity cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual contaminant analyses into a comprehensive toxicity assessment that evaluates both individual contaminants and their combinations. By combining sensor data, normalization, categorization, and interaction analysis into an integrated assessment, the system achieves precise contaminant detection while efficiently evaluating combination effects and synergistic toxicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to contaminant analysis by evaluating not only individual contaminants but also their interactions and combination effects. This dimensional expansion from single-contaminant to multi-contaminant assessment enables detection of synergistic toxicity while maintaining assessment efficiency through structured analysis frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for identifying toxic elements in water, and more specifically to identifying toxins in water based on sensor-detected contaminants and lists of known contaminants. A system can receive water contaminant data from sensors in a predefined geographic area, then normalize that water contaminant data. The system can also receive a list of categorized contaminants and use the list of categorized contaminants and a toxicity of the normalized water contaminants to score water toxicity for that predefined geographic area.