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Aquatic Science
Limnology is the study of the physics, chemistry and biology of rivers, dams, vleis, lakes and estuaries. The limnologist is thus concerned with inland waters and their organisms.
Oceanography, or Marine Science, incorporates many different fields of study relating to the sea. These include marine biology, physical and chemical oceanography, marine geology and coastal engineering.
The aquatic scientist's work might involve any of the following fields:
- physical studies - water currents and flow rates; erosion and sedimentation; temperature and water clarity
- chemical studies - water analysis; water cleansing (sewage -disposal); pollution monitoring; siltation levels and nutrient availability
- ecological and other biological studies - distribution patterns; ecological requirements and inter-relationships of fauna and flora; factors affecting productivity and food utilisation; management of exploited stocks; conservation of living resources and how they are affected by pollutants
- management studies - water storage and supply; allocation of water resources for use in irrigation, domestic and industrial supply, and recreation; water cleansing (sewage disposal)
- aquaculture studies - growing plants and animals for food; ornamental plant and fish culture for the aquarium trade.
Career opportunities in each of the above fields fall broadly into four categories according to the type of training received. Workers, however, may often find that their jobs encompass more than one of these.
- Technicians
- Researchers
- Administrators
- Aquaculturalists
For more information, vist:
http://www.dwaf.gov.za/IWQS/career_aqsci/career_aq.htm
