Physico-Chemical Quality and Physiological Profiles of Microbial Communities in Freshwater Systems of Mega Manila, Philippines
, Ren Mark D. Villanueva, Margareth Del E. Isagan, Jamaica Ann A. Caras and Jessica F. SimbahanRound 1
Reviewer 1 Report
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Author Response
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Reviewer 2 Report
A cluster analysis and heatmap visualization of the environmental monitoring data in table2 or table 3 should be carried out to show whether a similarity of the samples from the different spatiotemporal sources existed, for further analyzing its potential reasons.
Table 2 shows there were higher ORP values while lower DO values in the samples N, O, P and Q. Why?
Figure 1 and 2 show the microbial communities of the samples E, F, G, R, S, T from LLT exhibited high utilization of the substrates. Whether it can be considered that the sample type LLT had more microbes or greater varity than the other sample types?
Additionally, in table 2, DO of the sample J is “4.25s”, please correct it.
In figure 2, the legend “Class” is unnecessary.
Author Response
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Author Response File: 
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Reviewer 3 Report
This study reports data on the quality of select freshwater systems in Mega Manila, Philippines. Has two years of important data, the cientific communitie can use that for the future.
This study presents data on physical and chemical parameters and physiological profiles of the microbial community to determine the quality of freshwater systems in Mega Manila, Philippines. I consider this a relevant topic for the area in the pursuit of water quality and conservation.
As an additional contribution: The fact that only 8 samples are free of heavy metals may be an indicator for future evaluations to identify factors to maintain water quality.
This work can be enhanced if standard deviations are considered in Table 4 of WCD and CMD values of microbial communities in water samples at 72 hrs postincubation. It would also help if a chapter of conclusions were presented, although it is not obligatory.
The bibliographic references are adequate and timely.
Author Response
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Author Response File: Author Response.docx
