The study effectively analyzes water withdrawal impacts but raises some questions. For example, in Figures 7 and 9, the presented correlations (e.g., mineralization vs. water withdrawal and rNa+/rCl−coefficient) lack a detailed discussion of potential external factors such as seasonal variations or precipitation levels, which may influence these trends. Were such variables considered or accounted for in the analysis? Moreover, the maps and trends primarily focus on two localized sites, limiting the broader applicability of the findings across the region. Could the authors clarify if similar trends have been observed in other aquifers or sites in the West Siberian megabasin to validate these conclusions?
I am also interested in understanding whether similar patterns of mineralization changes have been observed in other oil and gas regions with comparable extraction practices. Were there any cross-regional comparisons or broader datasets considered to contextualize your findings, and do you think your methodology could be applied to other regions to detect anthropogenic influences on aquifer systems?