What type of analysis is performed to assess microbial contamination?

Coliform testing is specifically designed to assess microbial contamination in water. This analysis focuses on the presence of coliform bacteria, which are indicators of fecal pollution and overall microbial quality. The presence of coliform bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli (E. coli), in water can indicate that pathogens may also be present, making coliform testing crucial for public health and safety. By conducting this type of analysis, water quality professionals can determine if water sources are safe for consumption and recreational activities.

In contrast, nutrient analysis evaluates the concentration of various nutrients in water, which does not directly measure microbial contamination. Heavy metal testing is focused on identifying toxic metals present in water, and physical property analysis looks at aspects such as turbidity, temperature, and color, none of which address microbial safety. Thus, coliform testing stands out as the method specifically aimed at analyzing microbial contamination in water systems.