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A new analytical method to detect pollutants in water is being tested. This new method of chemical analysis is important because, if adopted, it could be used to detect three different contaminants-organic pollutants, volatile solvents, and chlorinated compounds - instead of having to use a single test for each pollutant. The makers of the test claim that it can detect high levels of organic pollutants with \(99.7 \%\) accuracy, volatile solvents with \(99.95 \%\) accuracy, and chlorinated compounds with \(89.7 \%\) accuracy. If a pollutant is not present, the test does not signal. Samples are prepared for the calibration of the test and \(60 \%\) of them are contaminated with organic pollutants, \(27 \%\) with volatile solvents, and \(13 \%\) with traces of chlorinated compounds. A test sample is selected randomly. (a) What is the probability that the test will signal? (b) If the test signals, what is the probability that chlorinated compounds are present?

Short Answer

Expert verified
(a) 98.47%; (b) 11.84%

Step by step solution

01

Define Known Probabilities

- Probability of the test detecting high levels of organic pollutants: \( P(T|O) = 0.997 \)- Probability of the test detecting volatile solvents: \( P(T|V) = 0.9995 \)- Probability of the test detecting chlorinated compounds: \( P(T|C) = 0.897 \)- Probability of contamination with organic pollutants: \( P(O) = 0.60 \)- Probability of contamination with volatile solvents: \( P(V) = 0.27 \)- Probability of contamination with chlorinated compounds: \( P(C) = 0.13 \)
02

Calculate Total Probability of Signaling

We need to find the probability that the test signals, denoted by \( P(T) \). Using the law of total probability, we have:\[P(T) = P(T|O)P(O) + P(T|V)P(V) + P(T|C)P(C)\]Substituting the values:\[P(T) = (0.997 \times 0.60) + (0.9995 \times 0.27) + (0.897 \times 0.13)\]\[P(T) = 0.5982 + 0.269865 + 0.11661 = 0.984675\]
03

Calculate Probability of Chlorinated Compounds Given the Signal

We need \( P(C|T) \), the probability that chlorinated compounds are present given the test signals. Use Bayes' Theorem:\[P(C|T) = \frac{P(T|C)P(C)}{P(T)}\]Substitute the known values:\[P(C|T) = \frac{0.897 \times 0.13}{0.984675}\]\[P(C|T) = \frac{0.11661}{0.984675} \approx 0.1184\]
04

Interpret Results

- The probability that the test will signal, \( P(T) \), is approximately \( 0.9847 \) or \( 98.47\% \).- Given that the test signals, the probability that chlorinated compounds are present, \( P(C|T) \), is approximately \( 0.1184 \) or \( 11.84\% \).

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Bayes' Theorem
Bayes' Theorem is a fundamental concept in probability theory and statistics. It helps us update our beliefs or probabilities when we receive new evidence or information.
In the context of contaminant detection in water, Bayes' Theorem is vital in determining the likelihood of a specific contaminant given that the test signals.For instance, suppose the test detects a contaminant. Bayes' Theorem allows us to calculate the probability that the contaminant is a chlorinated compound, based on the initial probability of chlorinated compound presence and the accuracy of the test.
The formula for Bayes' Theorem is:\[ P(A|B) = \frac{P(B|A) \cdot P(A)}{P(B)} \]Here, \(P(C|T)\), the probability of chlorinated compounds being present given the test signal, is calculated by determining how likely it is for the test to signal if chlorinated compounds are present \(P(T|C)\) and the initial probability of chlorinated compounds \(P(C)\), relative to the total signaling probability \(P(T)\). Using this theorem allows for a more precise statistical analysis when dealing with real-world applications like water testing.
Law of Total Probability
The Law of Total Probability is a rule that provides a way to calculate the total probability of an event based on details of related sub-events.
This concept is particularly useful in statistical analysis when dealing with multiple possible outcomes or causes of an event.In the case of a water contamination test, the Law of Total Probability is used to compute the probability that the test signals, \(P(T)\). This involves considering all contaminants that could trigger a test signal: organic pollutants, volatile solvents, and chlorinated compounds.
  • It combines the probabilities of signal detection for each specific contaminant, weighted by their respective probabilities of being present:
\[ P(T) = P(T|O)P(O) + P(T|V)P(V) + P(T|C)P(C) \]Here, each term represents the probability that the test accurately signals for a particular contaminant, multiplied by the probability that the contaminant is present. Using the law, we consolidate these possibilities to find out the overall likelihood of a test signal.
Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis involves collecting, exploring, and interpreting large quantities of data to uncover underlying patterns and trends. In environmental studies and testing, statistical analysis is a crucial tool.
It helps make informed decisions and accurately interpret test results. In the exercise context, statistical analysis is used to interpret the accuracy and reliability of a new water testing method. Using known success rates of detecting different contaminants, alongside their probability of presence, statistical analysis allows us to deduce essential probabilities, like the test signaling or identifying the presence of chlorinated compounds.
The exercise demands calculating probabilities using statistical concepts like Bayes' Theorem and The Law of Total Probability. Understanding this allows stakeholders to determine the efficiency and reliability of the contamination detection method, ensuring safe water for communities.
Contaminant Detection in Water
Contaminant detection in water is vital for maintaining public health and environmental safety. Water can contain various pollutants—organic, volatile, or chlorinated—that could pose health risks.
Hence, accurate and reliable detection methods are necessary for early intervention and remediation. The new analytical method discussed aims to test for multiple contaminants simultaneously, enhancing detection efficiency. It's important for the method to have high detection accuracy, as seen in the test success rates for different contaminants in the exercise.
By using statistical tools, such as calculating probabilities, scientists and engineers can evaluate this test method's efficacy in real-world conditions. This ensures that water quality standards are met and that the public is protected from exposure to harmful substances. Continuous improvement methods are also critical for developing more selective and precise detection technologies, contributing significantly to environmental and health safety.

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