Scientists link the decline of the Maya civilization to mercury pollution in their cities
An international team of scientists led by Auburn University has established that during the Maya Classic period (250–950 CE), mercury concentrations in the bottom sediments of Yucatán lakes reached 18 µg/g, and the rate of accumulation was tens of times higher than usual. The pollution coincided with a decline in aquatic organisms. The authors emphasize that mercury is only one possible factor in the crisis, not a proven cause.
Otabek Yusupov