Open-cell foam biological indicator for bacteria detection and removal from water or air, and methods of use

A method of detecting a bacteria or virus biological contaminants, comprising:

• exposing to the biological contaminant a foam biological indicator comprising an open-cell polyolefin foam material or open-cell polyurethane foam material;
• after a time that is sufficient to accumulate the biological contaminant, removing some or all of the biological indicator;
• and
• testing the removed biological indicator for the presence of the accumulated biological contaminant, wherein testing the removed biological indicator for the presence of the biological contaminant comprises placing a portion of the removed biological indicator in a sterile container, adding a surfactant, blending to separate the biological contaminant from the removed biological indicator, and culturing the biological contaminant in a nutritive medium.