This paper presents the results of PM_2.5 concentrations obtained by two types of simulations. The first one considers the real conditions, i.e., the region around the megacity of Hefei in China close to a lake and the lake is replaced by herbaceous wetland in the second simulation. The period investigated extended for 5 to 20 March 2019 where 5 days were for testing and the rest for the analysis. Spatial distribution of PM composition is presented together with the contrast between these two calculations. Moreover, atmospheric dispersion is considered by the wind fields and the determination of the planetary boundary layer. Although the presented work is noticeable, some minor changes should be introduced prior to the manuscript final acceptance.

The authors should indicate if changes in the lake were observed, i.e., they should precise if the lake dries up or not. If changes are not observed, this analysis is a theoretical exercise. Moreover, the lake cannot be suppressed and calculations under these conditions could not be compared with observations.

The authors should compare the modelled concentrations with those from surface stations to investigate the contrast between the modelled values and the measured ones. Figure S4 could not fill this gap since it was obtained from multiple sources.

Since the investigated period is quite short, the authors should discuss the period representativeness. Moreover, the influence of circulation patterns is not considered. The authors could discuss the effects of such patterns and the front passages on the calculated concentrations.

Spatial resolution of emissions presented in Fig. 2(c) is different than that for land use types. This resolution impacts on concentrations presented in other figures, such as Fig. 3. Perhaps the emission resolution could be a procedure weakness.

The calculated values with or without the lake are quite similar and their differences are small. The authors should consider not only if the lake suppression is realistic but if the lake impact is real or not.

Although the number of references is noticeable, most of them are quite old. Perhaps some of them could be replaced by more recent references. Moreover, references are not considered for the discussion. These references could be used to compare the paper results with those form former studies. Without such comparison, the paper appears an isolated analysis.

Minor remarks

Figure 1 (b). The lake is missing. Moreover, additional latitudes and longitudes should be introduced in this figure and similar figures, such as 3, 5…

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