Talling, J; Tundisi, JG; Matsumuratundisi, T
The history of limnology has steadily evolved over the last
120 years, both conceptually and technically. Beginning with Forel's classic work on Lac Leman,
published in three volumes (1892, 1895 and 1904), and Forbes' classic work on lakes as
microcosms (1887), scientific interest in limnology - which encompasses the physics, chemistry
and biology of lakes - has continued to grow. Since the early 20th century, research laboratories
in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere have continuously promoted limnological research and
training of human resources. Initially regarded as the science of lakes, limnology now
encompasses freshwater and saline lakes in the inland of continents, rivers, estuaries,
reservoirs, wetlands, marshes and all physical, chemical and biological interactions in these
ecosystems. Limnology has contributed significantly to the grounding and expansion of theoretical
ecology, and modern management of aquatic systems cannot ignore the need for a limnological
knowledge base for effective long-term management. Tropical limnology has advanced through
studies undertaken by geographical expeditions and consolidated by research in laboratories in
the vicinity of several lake and river systems in Central and South America, Africa, Southeast
Asia, and Australia. In Brazil, early limnological studies focused on fishing, aquaculture and
applied studies in the area of health. In the last 30 years in Brazil, limnology has advanced
significantly as a result of studies on several artificial and natural ecosystems, the founding
of the Brazilian Limnology Society, the Congress of the International Association of Limnology
held in Sao Paulo (1995), and the relevance of basic research in the management of water basins,
fishing and lakes, reservoirs and wetlands.