Machine-Learning Paradigms for Selecting Ecologically Significant Input Variables

Muttil, Nitin and Chau, Kwok-wing (2007) Machine-Learning Paradigms for Selecting Ecologically Significant Input Variables. Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, 20 (6). pp. 735-744. ISSN 0952-1976

Abstract

Harmful algal blooms, which are considered a serious environmental problem nowadays, occur in coastal waters in many parts of the world. They cause acute ecological damage and ensuing economic losses, due to fish kills and shellfish poisoning as well as public health threats posed by toxic blooms. Recently, data-driven models including machine learning (ML) techniques have been employed to mimic dynamics of algal blooms. One of the most important steps in the application of a ML technique is the selection of significant model input variables. In the present paper, we use two extensively used ML techniques, artificial neural networks (ANN) and genetic programming (GP) for selecting the significant input variables. The efficacy of these techniques is first demonstrated on a test problem with known dependence and then they are applied to a real-world case study of water quality data from Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong. These ML techniques overcome some of the limitations of the currently used techniques for input variable selection, a review of which is also presented. The interpretation of the weights of the trained ANN and the GP evolved equations demonstrate their ability to identify the ecologically significant variables precisely. The significant variables suggested by the ML techniques also indicate chlorophyll-a itself to be the most significant input in predicting the algal blooms, suggesting an auto-regressive nature or persistence in the algal bloom dynamics, which may be related to the long flushing time in the semi-enclosed coastal waters. The study also confirms the previous understanding that the algal blooms in coastal waters of Hong Kong often occur with a life cycle of the order of 1 - 2 weeks.

Dimensions Badge

Altmetric Badge

Item type Article
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/765
DOI 10.1016/j.engappai.2006.11.016
Official URL http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S...
Subjects Historical > RFCD Classification > 290000 Engineering and Technology
Historical > FOR Classification > 0801 Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
Historical > SEO Classification > 9611 Physical and Chemical Conditions of Water
Historical > Faculty/School/Research Centre/Department > School of Engineering and Science
Keywords algal blooms, red tides, machine-learning techniques, data-driven models, artificial neural networks, genetic programming, water quality modelling, Tolo Harbour, Hong Kong
Citations in Scopus 155 - View on Scopus
Download/View statistics View download statistics for this item

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login