Bayesian methods for estimation of environmental quality from synthetic fuel byproducts data
When this project was initially defined, there were two final objectives to be met in the investigation. First, Western Research Institute (WRI) had an interest in finding a reduced set of monitoring variables in order that the expense of environmental compliance might be lessened. Second, a quality function was needed which would enable quantitative comparisons of the overall quality of water samples and to aid in collecting evidence in favor of a modified set of environmental quality classification standards. These were narrowly defined goals relating to a specific type of problem. The task was to develop the methodology to meet the objectives. That has now been accomplished. It has been seen, however, that the methods developed in part 2 of this document are of a very general nature. They are founded on Bayes theorem and constitute a formulation for tackling decision making problems of all kinds. Two such possible applications were outlined in an earlier chapter. The first dealt with geophysical seismic pattern recognition in the search for small hydrocarbon deposits. Also, it was noted that Bayesian decision theory could be of assistance in the area of astrophysical image processing. Additionally, a simple quality control example was carried through to completion in part 2. The beauty of the Bayesian approach is that there is no conceptual difference between, say, a simple quality control problem and an arbitrarily complicated quality control problem. Armed with Bayes theorem, one knows how to proceed at all stages and through to the solution. Applying the Bayesian method to a decision or probability problem is always the right thing to do. 39 refs., 17 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Wyoming Univ., Laramie (USA). Dept. of Physics
- DOE Contract Number:
- AS20-83LC10988
- OSTI ID:
- 6214330
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/LC/10988-1716; ON: DE85005328
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Application of Structured Decision Making to Hanford Site Radiological Air Monitoring - 17924
Continuous Bayesian updating; Normal and two stage
Related Subjects
04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
DECISION MAKING
GROUND WATER
WATER QUALITY
IN-SITU GASIFICATION
IN-SITU RETORTING
OIL SHALES
DATA ANALYSIS
COAL GASIFICATION
MONITORING
PROBABILITY
QUALITY CONTROL
STATISTICS
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONTROL
DECOMPOSITION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GASIFICATION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IN-SITU PROCESSING
MATERIALS
MATHEMATICS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PROCESSING
RETORTING
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES
WATER
010900* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Environmental Aspects
041000 - Oil Shales & Tar Sands- Environmental Aspects
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)