What is the primary purpose of performing microscopic examination on a water sample?

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Microscopic inspection focuses on the tiny living things in the water. The main purpose is to identify and count algae present. Knowing which algae are there and how many helps gauge potential bloom activity, which can affect taste, odor, color, and chlorine demand, and it can signal nutrient conditions or toxin risks. This information guides treatment decisions, such as adjusting coagulation or pre-oxidation steps. Other measurements like heavy metals, dissolved oxygen, or temperature are determined by chemical analyses or sensors, not by looking under a microscope.