Limnoloogia

Limnoloogia is the scientific study of inland waters. This encompasses a wide range of aquatic ecosystems, including lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, springs, wetlands, and groundwater. Limnologists investigate the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of these environments, as well as the interactions between the water body and its surrounding watershed. The field is interdisciplinary, drawing on principles from biology, chemistry, geology, geography, and engineering.

Key areas of study within limnology include water quality assessment, nutrient cycling, primary productivity, food web dynamics, and the impact of human activities such as pollution, eutrophication, and climate change. Understanding these processes is crucial for managing freshwater resources, conserving aquatic biodiversity, and restoring degraded aquatic ecosystems. Limnologists often employ a variety of research methods, including field sampling, laboratory analysis, and mathematical modeling. The term "limnology" itself comes from the Greek words "limne" meaning lake or pond, and "logos" meaning study.