CG: n

CT: Lentic Waters: The Stillness of Life

In the vast realm of water bodies, a distinction exists between the ceaselessly flowing and the serene stillness. Lentic waters, derived from the Latin word lentus meaning “slow,” encompass the still waters of ponds, swamps, and marshes. These ecosystems, though seemingly stagnant, harbor a rich tapestry of life, playing crucial roles in the environment and demanding attention in water treatment practices.

The Stillness of a Diverse Ecosystem:

Unlike the dynamic currents of rivers and streams, lentic waters offer a haven for diverse flora and fauna. The absence of strong currents allows for the accumulation of nutrients, fostering the growth of aquatic plants and algae. This forms the foundation of the food web, supporting a diverse array of invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and birds.

Challenges of Lentic Water Management:

The stillness of lentic waters presents unique challenges for environmental and water treatment practices. The slow flow leads to:

• Nutrient Accumulation: Without swift currents to flush out excess nutrients, lentic waters are prone to eutrophication. This excessive nutrient enrichment can lead to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and fish kills.
• Organic Matter Accumulation: Decomposed organic matter from plants and animals settles at the bottom, contributing to low oxygen levels and potentially releasing harmful pollutants.
• Pathogen Contamination: Stagnant water provides ideal breeding grounds for disease-causing pathogens, posing risks to human and animal health.

Water Treatment for Lentic Environments:

Addressing these challenges necessitates tailored water treatment approaches for lentic environments:

• Nutrient Removal: Techniques like aeration, biofiltration, and chemical treatment can reduce nutrient levels, preventing excessive algal blooms.
• Organic Matter Removal: Dredging, sediment removal, and the use of specialized bacteria can help control organic matter buildup.
• Pathogen Control: Disinfection methods like chlorination, UV irradiation, and ozonation can effectively eliminate pathogens.
• Integrated Management: Combining these techniques with responsible land use practices and water conservation efforts ensures the long-term health of lentic ecosystems.

S: Tidjma – https://tidjma.tn/en/glenv/lentic-water-/ (last access: 8 october 2024)

N: 1. – lentic (adj): from Latin lentus “calm, slow” + ic.

– waters (pln): water. Old English wæter, from Proto-Germanic *watr- (source also of Old Saxon watar, Old Frisian wetir, Dutch water, Old High German wazzar, German Wasser, Old Norse vatn, Gothic wato “water”), from PIE *wod-or, suffixed form of root *wed- (1) “water; wet.”

2. Hydrology and Hydrography; Biogeography: lentic water, lenitic water.

3. lentic system: Standing water ecosystems such as ponds, swamps, bogs, lagoons, lakes, and so on.
During periods of drought these systems will often last longer than their smaller counterparts and organisms can continue to live despite the shortened supplies.

4. Zones of a lentic system:

• Littoral Zone: This zone forms the banks or boundary of the water. There is usually warmer and shallow water, with lots of plants such as reeds and cattails. Many of the plants are rooted in the muddy floor and their leaves form a good hideout for insects and fish. There is a lot of fish, frogs, reptiles, and insects in this zone.
• Limnetic Zone: It is the zone after the Littoral zone, extending a few meters into the water body. Fish swim freely here, with some plants floating on the water. There is enough sunlight here, and algae and plankton usually thrive here.
• Profundal Zone: This zone extends beyond the Limnetic zone and is a deeper region of the water. Here, there is usually very little or no sunlight. It is cooler. Living things in this region depend on drifting organic matter for food.
• Benthic Zone: This is the deepest region of the water body and farthest from the banks. There is no sunlight in this region, and therefore very little or no photosynthesis occurs here. Organisms that live here include worms, bacteria, decomposers, and other scavengers.

S: 1. LEX – https://www.lexico.com/definition/lentic (last access: 9 December 2020); Etymonline – https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=waters (last access: 9 December 2020). 2. TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=lentic+water&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 8 October 2024). 3. spenrod – https://spencerrodgers.weebly.com/lotic-systems-vs-lentic-systems.html# (last access: 9 December 2020). 4. eschool – https://eschooltoday.com/learn/what-is-a-lentic-system/ (last access: 9 December 2020).

SYN: lentic water, lenitic water.

S: TERMIUM PLUS – https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=lentic+water&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1#resultrecs (last access: 8 October 2024)

CR: reservoir, swamp.