Review of: "Microbial Mediation in Gypsum Dissolution and Its Role in Evaporitic System Transformation in Northern Chilean Salt Flats"

Dear authors, I have evaluated the manuscript entitled "Microbial Mediation in Gypsum Dissolution and Its Role in Evaporitic System Transformation in Northern Chilean Salt Flats".I consider that the study is scienti cally sound, methodologically robust, and makes a relevant contribution to the understanding of microbe-mineral interactions in evaporitic systems.The experimental set is well conceived, the analytical approach is appropriate, and the results clearly demonstrate the importance of microbial activity in modulating gypsum dissolution and secondary mineral precipitation under controlled conditions similar to natural environments.The manuscript is therefore suitable for publication after minor revisions, which are mainly related to organisation, clari cation, terminology, and completeness of references.The main comments are listed below, and detailed comments are available in the attached pdf le.