The NucleoMag® DNA/RNA Water kit is designed for the isolation of microbial DNA/RNA from water or air samples concentrated on a filter membrane. The procedure is based on reversible adsorption of nucleic acids to paramagnetic beads under appropriate buffer conditions. Sample lysis can be achieved by mechanical treatment of the filter membrane using MN Bead Tubes or other bead beating tubes. Lysis mixtures can be cleared by centrifugation or filtration in order to remove contaminants and residual cellular debris. For binding of nucleic acids to the paramagnetic beads, Binding Buffer MWA2 and the NucleoMag® B-Beads are added to the transferred lysate. After magnetic separation, the paramagnetic beads are washed to remove contaminants and salts using Wash Buffers MWA3 and MWA4. Residual ethanol from previous wash steps is removed by air drying. Next, highly purified DNA/RNA is eluted with RNase-free water and can be used directly for downstream applications. The NucleoMag® DNA/RNA Water kit can be used either manually, or automated on standard liquid handling instruments and automated magnetic separators.