Detectada contaminação por mercúrio em sítios maias mais antigos

Researchers found mercury contamination in sediments from ancient Maya cities Cobá and Xcach in Mexico. The study indicates that mercury from cinnabar, a sacred mineral for the Maya, has affected aquatic life and may have contributed to the decline of these civilizations. Peaks of mercury levels were identified in Cobá around 250 AD and in Xcach between 125 AD and 200 AD, coinciding with significant periods of Maya civilization. The findings suggest that mercury exposure could have impacted the Maya population through contaminated water and fish, adding to environmental stressors during the Classic Period. The research highlights the broader implications of mercury pollution in ancient societies.