Biological Source Term Estimation Using Particle Counters and Immunoassay Sensors

Two simple probabilistic sensor models for detection of airborne biological agents are described. The first of these models contains a construct to account for the ambient atmospheric particle background signal, one of the greatest challenges to inferences about biological releases. The second model deals with a simple classification sensor. Information content from each type of sensor is shown and each sensor's limitations discussed. The utility of these models is demonstrated by their combined implementation into a biological release source term estimator and subsequent promising performance in a simulated release of hazardous airborne biological material. Further testing with more complex simulations and with real data is recommended.