Analysis of the Wangping Brownfield Using a Two-Step Urban Brownfield Redevelopment Model
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsAbstract
This section describes the development of a two-step model for the redevelopment of the Wangping brownfield in Beijing. The model unifies effect prediction and site suitability evaluation. The redevelopment impacts are assessed using the CA-Markov model and the results indicate substantial benefits such as an increase in ploughland and forest coverage and a decrease in construction and grassland areas. The study concludes that this model improves urban renewal and supports sustainable city planning, providing useful lessons for future brownfield projects.
Introduction
The introductory section introduces the issue that the increase of global industrialisation has caused urban centres to confront issues with abandoned and underutilised industrial sites known as brownfields. They are environmentally risky sites and hamper urban development. Such shifts in industrial activities to suburban areas usually leave contaminated, or unused land that becomes known as brownfields. Redevelopment of such areas is important for sustainable urban renewal. In the study, a two-step model for redevelopment suitability assessment and redevelopment effects prediction is developed, particularly for the Wangping brownfield, to restore environmental balance and improve urban infrastructure.
Materials and Methods
It has been identified that a two-step model for brownfield redevelopment is presented in the Materials and Methods section concentrating on Wangping brownfield in Beijing. National and satellite databases of geographic and environmental data (topography and land use types) were obtained. Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a redevelopment suitability evaluation was performed to identify redevelopment prospects and prioritize locations for a brownfield park and agricultural gardens. For land use change prediction and assessment of the redevelopment impact by 2030, the CA-Markov model was used. This method assures a balanced evaluation of ecological, economic, and social outcomes.
Results and Discussion
The results and Discussion section gives a detailed view of the Wangping brownfield redevelopment. To simulate land use changes and predict redevelopment outcomes, the study employed the CA-Markov model. Results show that forest cover and ploughland significantly increase with the increase in forest area by 24.57% and ploughland by 6.61%. On the other hand, grassland and unused land decreased 25.68 and 2.38%, respectively. Along with the redevelopment efforts, ecological restoration was improved and agricultural and recreational spaces were better integrated. The outcomes from these reflect the positive ecological and economic effects of the proposed redevelopment plan.
Comments
A robust two-step model based on suitability analysis and predictive modelling is presented in the study for brownfield redevelopment. However, the results are promising, and future studies may explore how this model generalizes to other geographical locations and brownfield conditions. Moreover, sustainability dimensions could be integrated into redevelopment plans through the study of the integration of renewable energy solutions and smart technologies. In addition, climate change could create an important area for future research in the area of land use predictions, especially in countries vulnerable to environmental shifts. In conclusion, it can also be further explored how community engagement strategies and what long-term socioeconomic impact of redevelopment projects achieve public benefit and inclusivity.
Author Response
Comments 1: A robust two-step model based on suitability analysis and predictive modelling is presented in the study for brownfield redevelopment. However, the results are promising, and future studies may explore how this model generalizes to other geographical locations and brownfield conditions. Moreover, sustainability dimensions could be integrated into redevelopment plans through the study of the integration of renewable energy solutions and smart technologies. In addition, climate change could create an important area for future research in the area of land use predictions, especially in countries vulnerable to environmental shifts. In conclusion, it can also be further explored how community engagement strategies and what long-term socioeconomic impact of redevelopment projects achieve public benefit and inclusivity.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have added the discussion in Line 643-654 according to your advice.
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper is about the research on the redevelopment of urban brownfield, especially Wang Ping Brownfield in Beijing, China. This paper proposes a two-step model of urban brownfield redevelopment, including site suitability assessment and effect prediction.
At the beginning of the article, it clearly points out the limitation of brownfield to urban renewal and the importance of redevelopment research in urban renewal. Provides background on brownfield issues in China, including legal and policy developments, which provide a solid background for the study. merely
The contribution of brownfield redevelopment to achieving Sustainable Development goals such as healthy China and carbon neutral policies can be further highlighted.
In addition, the paper adopts a two-step model, which combines suitability assessment and effect prediction, which is a comprehensive methodological framework. AHP and CA-Markov model are used, which are mature methods and help to improve the reliability of the study. However, it is recommended that the authors provide more details on data sources and processing methods to ensure transparency and reproducibility of the study.
In the end, the article mentions China's soil pollution law and related policies, but it can further cite more evaluation studies on the implementation effects of these policies, as well as international comparative studies. The following two articles can be cited 。
1、https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992X-2018-0096
2、https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.118074
Author Response
Comments 1: In addition, the paper adopts a two-step model, which combines suitability assessment and effect prediction, which is a comprehensive methodological framework. AHP and CA-Markov model are used, which are mature methods and help to improve the reliability of the study. However, it is recommended that the authors provide more details on data sources and processing methods to ensure transparency and reproducibility of the study.
Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have added data sources and processing methods in Fig S1, Fig S2, Table S1, Table S2, Table S3, and Table S4 in the Supplementary Material.
Comments 2: In the end, the article mentions China's soil pollution law and related policies, but it can further cite more evaluation studies on the implementation effects of these policies, as well as international comparative studies. The following two articles can be cited.
1、https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992X-2018-0096
2、https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2023.118074
Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have added thses references in Line 88-92 according to your advice.
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis research includes an analytical study on the redevelopment of the Wangping brownfield in Beijing. The manuscript is well-structured, with sufficient background, appropriate methodology, and supported conclusions, although minor improvements to the English language will enhance clarity. I would suggest the following changes to improve it further:
In some parts of the introduction, the phrasing is somewhat complex. I recommend simplifying sentences; for example, the sentence "Several former industrial areas have been gradually shifted to the suburbs, resulting in brownfields..." could be rephrased as "Many former industrial areas have been moved to the suburbs, creating brownfield sites...".
Also, in some sections, technical terms (e.g., brownfields, CA-Markov model) could be further explained for readers who are not familiar with them.
In the methodology section, I would suggest breaking it down into subsections such as "Data Collection," "Evaluation Methods," and "Model Implementation" to make it easier to read.
In the references section, more recent sources related to the use of models could be included.
Finally, I would recommend adding a brief sentence in the conclusions linking the practical application of the research findings to future studies.
Author Response
Comments 1: In some parts of the introduction, the phrasing is somewhat complex. I recommend simplifying sentences; for example, the sentence "Several former industrial areas have been gradually shifted to the suburbs, resulting in brownfields..." could be rephrased as "Many former industrial areas have been moved to the suburbs, creating brownfield sites...".
Response 1: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have rewritten the sentence in Line 46-48 according to your advice.
Comments 2: Also, in some sections, technical terms (e.g., brownfields, CA-Markov model) could be further explained for readers who are not familiar with them.
Response 2: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have added these detailed explanation in Line 48-63, 137-149 and 296-310 according to your advice.
Comments 3: In the methodology section, I would suggest breaking it down into subsections such as "Data Collection," "Evaluation Methods," and "Model Implementation" to make it easier to read.
Response 3: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have revised the title in Line 218, 244, 266, 280, 285 and 295 according to your advice.
Comments 4: In the references section, more recent sources related to the use of models could be included.
Response 4: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have added the references in Line 138-149 according to your advice.
Comments 5: Finally, I would recommend adding a brief sentence in the conclusions linking the practical application of the research findings to future studies.
Response 5: Thank you for pointing this out. We agree with this comment. We have added the sentence in Line 677-685 according to your advice.