Abstract: An apparatus and method for contacting liquids and gases is disclosed. A contact body is comprised of a plurality of pleated porous media elements which are disposed one above another. Each element is formed in a generally zig-zag configuration with pleats and upper and lower tips. Air passages are formed between the pleats of the elements. The elements are supported one above another in a generally horizontal disposition with all of the air passages substantially parallel to one another. A mechanism is provided for supplying water to an uppermost element to saturate all of the elements with water. Substantially all of the water which moves downwardly from the uppermost element to a lowermost element flows through the elements without creating a film flow of water between the uppermost and the lowermost elements.