# Mercury contamination found at more ancient Maya sites

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/mercury-contamination-found-at-more-ancient-maya-sites/
- Published: 2026-11-06T13:29:13+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T14:52:29+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/business/mercury-contamination-found-more-ancient-maya-sites-6531461
- Topics: World

## Key points

- Cinnabar use left widespread mercury contamination at two Maya sites.
- Lake sediments show declines among several aquatic organisms.
- Researchers say mercury may have added to other pressures on Maya cities.

## Summary

A study has found that mercury contamination from cinnabar was more widespread across ancient Maya sites than previously known. Sediment cores from lakes at Coba and Xcach in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula show that mercury entered the environment and coincided with sharp declines in several groups of aquatic organisms, suggesting disruption across the food chain.

Coba’s mercury levels rose around 250 AD and remained elevated for about 150 years. Xcach had three periods of elevated mercury, including one from about 535 to 820 AD; researchers say some concentrations were among the highest recorded for Maya-era sites. The findings do not directly link mercury to the collapse of Classic-era Maya cities, but suggest it may have added to pressures such as climate change and warfare. Coba may have had 60,000 to 90,000 people during the Classic Period.

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