PONE-D-23-42265Integrated Water Quality Dynamics in Wadi Hanifah: Physical, Chemical, and Biological PerspectivesPLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Aqel,

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Kind regards,

Wajdy Jum’ah Al-Awaida, Ph.D

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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Additional Editor Comments:

Dear Authers

After thoroughly reviewing the manuscript "Integrated Water Quality Dynamics in Wadi Hanifah: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Perspectives," I have identified several areas where the article could be significantly improved:

1. Inadequate Methodological Detail:

The description of the sampling methods and locations lacks sufficient detail, making it difficult to assess the replicability and rigor of the study.

The analytical techniques used for water quality assessment are not described in enough detail to evaluate their appropriateness or accuracy.

2. Data Presentation Issues:

The tables and figures, while present, are not effectively integrated into the text. Clearer references and explanations in the manuscript would better contextualize these visual aids.

The statistical analysis methods, if used, are not clearly outlined. There's a need for a more comprehensive explanation of the statistical methods and their rationale.

3. Weak Discussion and Conclusions:

The discussion lacks depth in comparing the findings with other studies or historical data. This limits the contextual understanding of the study's results.

The conclusions drawn are relatively generic and do not sufficiently encapsulate the specific findings of this study.

4. Lack of Broader Implications:

The manuscript does not adequately discuss the broader implications of its findings, particularly in relation to environmental management and policy.

5. Inconsistencies and Errors:

There are several inconsistencies in terminology and units of measurement, which can be confusing.

The manuscript contains grammatical and typographical errors that detract from its overall quality.

6. Limited Reference to Current Literature:

The references seem outdated or not sufficiently relevant to the study's focus, which raises questions about the thoroughness of the literature review.

7. Need for Additional Research Suggestions:

The study lacks suggestions for future research or fails to identify gaps in the current understanding that it addresses.

8. Ethical and Compliance Issues:

The manuscript does not clearly state ethical compliance related to sample collection, which is crucial for studies involving environmental sampling.

9. Funding and Conflict of Interest Statements:

The manuscript should include a clear statement regarding funding sources and any potential conflicts of interest.

In summary, while the manuscript provides valuable insights into the water quality of Wadi Hanifah, improvements in methodological clarity, data presentation, discussion depth, error correction, and literature contextualization are essential for enhancing its academic rigor and impact.

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Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

1. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

The manuscript must describe a technically sound piece of scientific research with data that supports the conclusions. Experiments must have been conducted rigorously, with appropriate controls, replication, and sample sizes. The conclusions must be drawn appropriately based on the data presented.

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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3. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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4. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English?

PLOS ONE does not copyedit accepted manuscripts, so the language in submitted articles must be clear, correct, and unambiguous. Any typographical or grammatical errors should be corrected at revision, so please note any specific errors here.

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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5. Review Comments to the Author

Please use the space provided to explain your answers to the questions above. You may also include additional comments for the author, including concerns about dual publication, research ethics, or publication ethics. (Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)

Reviewer #1: The manuscript describes comprehensive evaluation of water quality in one of the known valleys in Arabian Peninsula of Saudi Arabia. Analysis included physical, Chemical constituents and bacterial contamination but did not discuss how the study's outcomes are different from the previous studies about the same valley. This point must be addressed carefully.

Reviewer #2: The author is required to follow the remarks provided in the report submitted to the journal editor, as these comments are essential for reaching a conclusive decision on whether to accept the publication of this article.

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Reviewer #1: No

Reviewer #2: Yes: Husni othman

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Attachments

Attachment

Submitted filename: reviewer comments.pdf

Integrated Water Quality Dynamics in Wadi Hanifah: Physical, Chemical, and Biological Perspectives

PONE-D-23-42265R1

Dear Dr. Aqel,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Wajdy Jum’ah Al-Awaida, Ph.D

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Reviewers' comments: