Inexpensive device for the aerobic and anaerobic sampling of microorganisms in lake and shallow ocean waters.

An inexpensive device suitable for sampling microorganisms in water and easily constructed from readily available laboratory equipment is described. The need to transfer subsamples to culturing flasks after collection is eliminated by partly filling the sampling vessels with growth medium prior to sampling. The device is readily adapted for sampling different volumes, is simple and quick to operate, and is suitable for use with prereduced media. Contamination from layers others than that being sampled is insignificant.