Morphological Characteristics and Annual Population Dynamics of Microcystis (Cyanobacteria) in Nanwan Reservoir (Xinyang, China)

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

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Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I have reviewed this manuscript which presents well-structured research with clear data presentation. While the overall organization is commendable, there are significant concerns regarding the statistical analysis that need to be addressed. The manuscript shows good potential but requires moderate revision in both content and presentation to meet standards of Water. 

 

General Recommendations:

 

This manuscript requires key improvements in three critical areas to meet international publication standards:

 

Scientific rigor needs strengthening through the addition of measurement error analysis, particularly for cell counts and environmental parameters. Quantitative comparisons with similar studies should be expanded, especially regarding Microcystis densities and environmental conditions in comparable reservoirs. The statistical analysis requires enhancement through the addition of multivariate techniques and proper power analysis.

 

The manuscript structure should be refined by adding explicit research objectives and hypotheses in the introduction. A limitations section should be included before the conclusion to address temporal and spatial constraints. Management implications need stronger development, with specific, actionable recommendations based on the findings.

 

Specific Comments:

 

Line 34-43: The description of HABs impacts is generic. Should include specific examples or quantitative impacts from previous studies.

 

Line 44-56: The taxonomic description lacks recent molecular classification approaches and modern phylogenetic perspectives.

 

Line 70-81: The background information about Nanwan Reservoir needs more detail on historical water quality trends.

 

Line 89-94: Missing justification for selecting the six sampling sites and 0.5m depth

 

Line 102-109: The phytoplankton collection method needs more standardization - "up to 50 times" is too variable

 

Line 133-135: Cell counting methodology should specify the number of replicates and error estimation.

 

Line 161-196: The physicochemical results lack comparison with water quality standards

 

Line 202-273: The morphological descriptions are too descriptive and need more quantitative comparisons

 

Line 274-295: The spatial distribution analysis needs more robust statistical support

 

Line 406-421: The eutrophication discussion needs more comparative analysis with similar reservoirs

 

Line 422-434: The nitrogen influence discussion requires more mechanistic explanation

 

Lines 435-458: The spatial distribution analysis needs stronger connection to management implications

 

Implementation priority should focus on statistical analysis and quantitative comparisons, followed by structural improvements and language refinement.

 

Good luck!

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Language improvements are essential throughout the manuscript. Active voice should replace passive constructions to improve clarity. Technical terminology needs standardization - terms related to bloom classification and water quality parameters should be consistent. Complex sentences, particularly in the results and discussion sections, should be simplified into clearer, shorter statements.

 

Professional editing by a native English speaker is recommended for final polish. Implementation priority should focus on statistical analysis and quantitative comparisons, followed by structural improvements and language refinement.

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

To  Water-

 Manuscript ID3294417

Title:

Morphological Characteristics and the Annual Population Dynamics of Microcystis (Cyanophyta) in Nanwan Reservoir (Xinyang, China)

The work is devoted to a comparative analysis of algal communities in Nanwan Reservoir (China)  

The authors monitored the condition of the Nanwan Reservoir at 6 points, carefully analyzed the distribution of blue-green algae in the reservoirs in seasonal dynamics. A large experimental material was collected and statistically processed in a high-quality manner, using traditional hydrobiological indices.

Priority factors influencing water quality were identified one of the peculiar sensors of which the authors consider the abundance of species of Microcystis. The Microcystis density in 2022 did not reach the thresholds associated with algal blooms, which may be due to the improvement of water quality. 

In March 2021, a sediment pollution cleanup project for the Nanwan Reservoir was launched, which included sediment removal from inflowing  tributaries and water supply sources; the project was completed in December 2022, which covered the sampling period of this study.

Water quality undoubtedly depends on the degree of pollution of bottom sediments. Unfortunately, the authors do not provide characteristics of bottom sediments at sampling points. Moreover, these data could confirm the identified factor of influence of eutrophication due to enrichment of water primarily with nitrogen.

In common, the methods are adequately described.  

The list of references is sufficient and adequate, although mainly authors from China are cited.

 This work can be recommended for publication  in present form/

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.pdf