Heavy Metal Retention by Different Forest Species Used for Restoration of Post-Mining Landscapes, N. Greece

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The author presents an interesting study about metal absorption by leaves of several forest planted species in order to check the effectiveness of selected species for this purpose. The final goal is determinate which species are adequate to post-mining restoration.

The study is interesting because have a direct effect on the tree’s selection for post-mining, with important amount of heavy metal pollution, habitat restoration.

The manuscript is well written, the methodology fits perfectly with the research goals and the discussion and conclusions are well presented and documented. The quality and extension of the bibliography is appropriate.

In order to accept this ms to be published in Sustainability journal, the author should consider the following:

1. The first sentences of introduction should improve, and a reference is needed. Maybe the authors could convert the three sentences in one with a reference.
2. The description of climate in point 2.1 (study area) is so long.
3. Some sentences of discussion could be moved to introduction that lacks theoretical approach.
4. Line 253 change the name of the metals by its symbols.
5. The same as above for conclusions block.

 

Author Response

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Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

This is an interesting work about the restoration of post-mining (lignine deposite) landscape in the Ptolemais-Amyntaio basin (Western Macedonia). Pinus nigra, Cupressus arizonica, Robinia pseudoacacia and Populus nigra are the species considered. The results and the corresponding discussion give some clues about diferential behavior among the 4 species estudied.

In the reference list all the journals should be given with their entire title: see lines 330, 340, 360, 364, 368, 372, 409, 411, 413, 424).

Author Response

Please see the attachment

Author Response File: Author Response.docx