ABSTRACT
The history of limnology has steadily evolved over the last 120 years, both conceptually and technically. Beginning with Forel’s classic work on Lac Léman, published in three volumes (1892, 1895 and 1904), and Forbes’ classic work on lakes as microcosms (1887), scientifi c 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.
