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Limnology provides an in-depth and current overview of the field of limnology. The result of a major tour de force by two renowned and experienced experts, this unique and richly illustrated reference presents a wealth of data on limnology history, water as a substrate, lakes' origins and aquatic biota. Besides a general part, it gives special focus to neotropical limnology, prevalently applicable in countries in the Southern Hemisphere.
Starting with the essentials, some definitions and a historical account, this volume then details the main interaction mechanisms with physical and chemical factors, diversity and geographical distribution. With regard to the major continental aquatic systems, it treats the dynamics, variability and characterization of lakes, reservoirs, flooded areas, saline lakes, estuaries and coastal lagoons. The impact of human activity on water resources and the need for the rehabilitation of watersheds, watershed ecosystems and estuaries are addressed subsequently. To illustrate theory, the final part includes research examples in limnology, ecology and environmental sciences in different geographical contexts, as well as ideas for new investigations.
This reference volume is intended for researchers and professionals working on inland waters, lakes and rivers within the fields of biology, ecology, environment, forestry, geochemistry, geophysics, and water management. It will also benefit students in the aforementioned areas and readers involved with limnology in related disciplines, such as earth sciences, environmental, water and geological engineering.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword by Dr. Jack Talling
Foreword by Dr. Joan Armengol Bachero
Foreword by Dr. Blanca Elena Jiménez Cisneros
Foreword by Dr. Odete Rocha
1. Limnology, definition and objective
2. Water as a medium
3. The origin of lakes
4. Physical processes and circulation in lakes
5. The chemical composition of water
6. Organisms and communities in inland aquatic ecosystems and estuaries
7. The dynamic ecology of aquatic plant populations and communities
8. The dynamic ecology of aquatic animal populations and communities
9. The flow of energy in aquatic ecosystems
10. Biogeochemical cycles
11. Lakes as ecosystems
12. Man-made reservoirs
13. Rivers
14. Estuaries and coastal lagoons
15. Wetlands, temporary waters and saline lakes
16. Regional limnology in Central and South America
17. Regional limnology in Africa and in temperate regions
18. Impacts on aquatic ecosystems
19. Planning and managing of water resources
20. Study approaches and methods: the present and future of limnology
Annex 1. Fish species in the Sao Francisco river
Annex 2. Species of catfish in Amazonia
Annex 3. Species of the upper Paran# classifi ed by reproductive strategies
Annex 4. Taxonomic groups of aquatic invertebrates found in Brazil and the state of Sao Paulo
Annex.5.
Annex 6. Processes of sampling and programme for water quality management in reservoirs
Appendix 1. Conversion table for units
Appendix 2. Time scale of geological periods
References
Watershed and water body index
General index
Color plates
Dr José Galizia Tundisi obtained his PhD (Estuaries Ecology, 1969) at the University of Sao Paulo/University of Southampton and his DSc (Ecology, 1977) at the University of São Paulo. He is the President of the International Institute of Ecology in São Carlos, Brazil. He was previously a Full Professor of Biological Sciences at the Federal University of São Carlos, 1972-84; Full Professor of Environmental Sciences at the University of São Paulo, 1984-94; and President, Brazilian of the National Research Council, 1995-99. His awards include the Gold Medal "Augusto Ruschi", Brazilian Academy of Sciences, 1986; the Moinho Santista Prize in Ecology, 1992; the Highest Brazilian Award for scientific achievement; the Boutros Ghali Prize for Environment and Development, UN, 1995; and the Commendador, Brazilian Government. He is a Member of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, the São Paulo Academy of Sciences, and the Ecology Institute, "Excellence in Biology", in Germany. Dr Tundisi is the founder and director of the International Institute of Ecology in São Paulo, Brazil.
Dr Takako Matsumura Tundisi graduated in Natural History and received her PhD in Biological Sciences (Zoology) from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. She was a lecturer and researcher in Aquatic Ecology at the Federal University of São Carlos for over two decades. Today, she is a director of the International Institute of Ecology (IIE) and of the International Association of Ecology and Environmental Management (IIEGA) in Brazil, both research and consulting organizations that have developed numerous research projects in water resources management and water quality through mathematical modelling.
"An expansive and detailed account of limnology from a tropical viewpoint. Although it draws extensively upon the international literature, and is richly illustrated with examples, it gives special emphasis to tropical conditions. Here both Amazonia and the authors' distinguished record and enterprises are prominent. It is primarily not a descriptive text, but a generalised classification of examples and a dynamic and functional approach. Issues of applied limnology – especially with reservoirs – are treated extensively., as well as past trends and future prospects in the science. These features, with the combination of length and exceptionally rich illustration, mark a unique contribution to the environmental literature, and especially apt for developing countries."
– Dr Jack Talling, Freshwater Biological Association, Cumbri, UK
"This profusely illustrated volume will serve as an indispensable text book for the students of limnology not only in South and Central America but throughout the tropical world. Further, it is an invaluable reference work for researchers and professionals interested in inland waters, lakes and rivers irrespective of their disciplinary specialisation in biology, ecology, environment, geochemistry, geophysics, and water management. I heartily congratulate Prof. Tundisi and his coauthor wife, Prof. Matsumura-Tundisi for their painstaking efforts and valuable contribution to the cause of tropical limnology."
– International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 38(4): 209-210, 2012
