4.2: Introduction

Bacteria and fungi can be airborne. Spores and cells can float on the wind, dust particles, soil that gets disrupted, etc. At some point they may land on a surface. You will sample the air by placing an open agar filled petri dish inside or outside for 15 minutes.

Bacteria and fungi can land on a surface via the air, or they can be transferred in a variety of ways. Hands, the bottom of shoes, objects like purses, notebooks, etc., may pick up bacteria from one surface and transfer it to another. You will sample surfaces by swabbing and then streaking onto an agar plate.

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