6. Conclusion

Methods for microbial sampling and analysis in environmental media (air, surfaces, water) have been the subject of a great deal of work to improve the collection, quantification and identification of micro-organisms.

Efforts have been stepped up in the field of air sampling, with the development of new sensors and biocollectors, in particular for individual use, which, thanks to longer collection times for micro-organisms (a few hours), enable better assessment of human exposure or that of industrial products.

Alongside cultivation or conventional analysis methods, which are still recommended, new alternative methods for quantifying and identifying micro-organisms are now available. They offer shorter response times and a better understanding of the microbial flora in the environment under study. They enable direct measurement of microorganisms...