A sample purification apparatus includes a container for separating, with a heavy solution, a mixed sample based on a specific gravity difference and a collector that collects a component in the mixed sample lighter in specific gravity than the heavy solution by receiving a supernatant flowed out from the container. The container includes a flow-out port provided in an uppermost portion of the container and a flow-out path that guides the supernatant flowed out through the flow-out port to the collector. the container has a horizontal cross-sectional area which gradually decreases upward starting from a prescribed height of the container to a height where the flow-out port is located.

A sample purification apparatus includes a container for separating, with a heavy solution, a mixed sample based on a specific gravity difference and a collector that collects a component in the mixed sample lighter in specific gravity than the heavy solution by receiving a supernatant flowed out from the container. The container includes a flow-out port provided in an uppermost portion of the container and a flow-out path that guides the supernatant flowed out through the flow-out port to the collector. the container has a horizontal cross-sectional area which gradually decreases upward starting from a prescribed height of the container to a height where the flow-out port is located.

A field apparatus (also referred to as a “biosampler”) is configured to automatically capture multiple samples of an aqueous medium (for example, water from a lake) and process same to preserve unstable analytes in the field. In this way, a set of samples from the aqueous medium can, for example, be captured at multiple points in time, processed with a biopreservative to preserve unstable analytes (for example, RNA) and then later collected for further analysis. Alternatively, multiple samples of the aqueous medium can be collected and preserved at one moment.

A field apparatus (also referred to as a “biosampler”) is configured to automatically capture multiple samples of an aqueous medium (for example, water from a lake) and process same to preserve unstable analytes in the field. In this way, a set of samples from the aqueous medium can, for example, be captured at multiple points in time, processed with a biopreservative to preserve unstable analytes (for example, RNA) and then later collected for further analysis. Alternatively, multiple samples of the aqueous medium can be collected and preserved at one moment.

A water quality sampler includes a membrane receptacle and at least 7 sample membranes. The membrane receptacle comprises at least 7 membrane cavities disposed on a top surface of the membrane receptacle. Each membrane cavity is configured to hold a sample membrane and the sample membranes are each removably positioned within the membrane cavities and extend at least 1 cm out from the top surface of the membrane receptacle. A bottom of the membrane receptacle comprises a protruding lip that traces a bottom edge of the membrane receptacle in a downward direction, where the protruding lip encompasses a stacking chamber capable of receiving a top end of a second water quality sampler to allow stacking of multiple water quality samplers.

The technology relates to an apparatus, methods and applications which take readings and samples in contaminated bodies of water at desired locations and depths. The apparatus is a remote control boat or similar apparatus that can travel on the surface, partially submersed or fully submersed. Onboard remote control instruments read pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, turbidity, total dissolved solids, dissolved oxygen, oxidation-reduction, ammonia, nitrate, phosphate as well as algae and chlorophyll levels. It can also perform sludge blanket mapping and take water or sludge samples at different depths of the water column or at the bottom of the body of water. The data obtained permits to evaluate the health of a contaminated body of water to develop appropriate bioremediation procedures and monitor progress. The apparatus can also deliver the necessary bioremediation products. The danger for humans to navigate on contaminated waters is avoided with the remote control apparatus.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a sampling apparatus having one or more support structures and two or more sampling molds operatively coupled to the one or more support structures. The two or more sampling molds may be sealed or unsealed. The sampling apparatus is pressurized with a gas and immersed in the molten metal. The two or more sampling molds become unsealed when the mold stops at least partially melt. When the sampling apparatus is depressurized the one or more unsealed sampling molds capture one or more molten metal samples. The sampling apparatus is removed from the molten metal and the samples are removed from the sampling molds and analyzed.

A method of removing and detecting the presence of substances from at least one of a body of water and the air. The method includes placing into the body of water or into the air an open-cell foam material, removing separate portions of the open-cell foam material from the water or air at different exposure times after the open-cell foam material was placed into the water or air, and determining the presence in the removed separate portions of one or more substances that were removed from the water or air by the open-cell foam material.

A method of removing and detecting the presence of substances from at least one of a body of water and the air. The method includes placing into the body of water or into the air an open-cell foam material, removing separate portions of the open-cell foam material from the water or air at different exposure times after the open-cell foam material was placed into the water or air, and determining the presence in the removed separate portions of one or more substances that were removed from the water or air by the open-cell foam material.

An open-cell foam structure that is used to detect and remove substances from water or air.