Evolution of the Residual Pollution in Soils after Bioremediation Treatments
, Javier MartÃnez-Garzón 2, Francisco MartÃn-Peinado 2,* and Manuel Sierra-Aragón 2Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The subject fall within the general scope of the journal. The title clearly reflect the contents. Contribution is a new and original.
Abstract: The abstract Is sufficiently informative, especially when read in isolation. Introduction: The introduction is well conducted since it addresses the issue and refers to relevant literature. Material and methods: The methodology is well thought through. The description of materials and methods is informative to allow replication of the experiment. Authors should further emphasize on the novelty of their work. This must be highlighted The discussion part is too general and the discussion about the results of this experiment is not in-depth enough. Please provide the results of the phytotoxicity (Table or Figure).
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 1 Comments
Point 1: Authors should further emphasize on the novelty of their work. This must be highlighted. 

Response 1: Additional information was included in Lines 241-245 emphasizing the novelty of work.
Point 2: Please provide the results of the phytotoxicity (Table or Figure). 

Response 2: A new figure was included (Figure 4) and additional information (Lines 260-266) in relation to the results of the phytotoxicity bioassay were included.
Point 3: The discussion part is too general and the discussion about the results of this experiment is not in-depth enough. 

Response 3: The discussion part was improved, especially the part related to the relationship between the phytotoxicity bioassay. Correlation analysis was added to assess the influence of the main soil properties and pollutants on the root elongation of lettuce seeds (Lines 272-286).
Reviewer 2 Report
This study is focused of soil physicochemical properties after the Aznalcóllar's mine spill. Two decades after mine spill the total concentration of Pb, As, Zn and Cu was measured and bioassay using Lactuca sativa L. was applied to assess potential toxicity.
In terms of sampling, element determination and statistical evaluation of results, the work is prepared in accordance with analytical standards. The results are reliable. The study presents the current state of soils after the period of revitalization planned according to the adopted schedule after the leakage from the mine.
The obtained results are important, however, they do not answer on the basic issue - chemical safety. What is the risk of temporary, permanent residence or consumption of biomass and water by people and animals from this area? Risk assessment in accordance with EU general risk assessment methodology is necessary in such studies. Risk discussion should be added to the study.
Author Response
Response to Reviewer 2 Comments
Point 1: Risk assessment in accordance with EU general risk assessment methodology is necessary in such studies. Risk discussion should be added to the study. 

Response 1: Additional information in relation to the risk assessment was included in Lines 209-214, by adding new data and reference to support the use of regulatory thresholds based on the risk assessment methodology.
Point 2: The obtained results are important, however, they do not answer on the basic issue - chemical safety. What is the risk of temporary, permanent residence or consumption of biomass and water by people and animals from this area? 

Response 2: Special attention was paid to environmental and chemical safety issues. New information was added (Lines 224-233) in relation to the risk exposure for humans in the area and the risk of dispersion to water and animals.
Reviewer 3 Report
The authors in the article presented an extremely important and significant problem nowadays regarding post-mining pollution. Researchers subjected the contaminated area to phytoremediation, which is extremely important. In this way they formed a green corridor. Despite phytoremediation, monitoring of the affected area is constantly needed.
The article is part of current ecological trends. The content of the article and the presented test results in the tables and drawings are legible and clearly reflect the studied problem. Accordingly, I request publication of the article.
Author Response
No comments to improve were included in the reviewer's comments.
