Handling uncertainties in toxicity modelling using a fuzzy filter

A fundamental concern in the Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship approach to toxicity evaluation is the generalization of the model over a wide range of compounds. The data driven modelling of toxicity, due to the complex and ill-defined nature of eco-toxicological systems, is an uncertain process. The development of a toxicity predicting model without considering uncertainties may produce a model with a low generalization performance. This study presents a novel approach to toxicity modelling that handles the involved uncertainties using a fuzzy filter, and thus improves the generalization capability of the model. The method is illustrated by considering a data set dealing with the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) toxicity of 568 organic compounds.