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Jim__

(14,460 posts)
Thu Oct 22, 2020, 03:36 PM Oct 2020

Ancient Maya built sophisticated water filters

From phys.org




Ancient Maya in the once-bustling city of Tikal built sophisticated water filters using natural materials they imported from miles away, according to the University of Cincinnati.

UC researchers discovered evidence of a filter system at the Corriental reservoir, an important source of drinking water for the ancient Maya in what is now northern Guatemala.

A multidisciplinary team of UC anthropologists, geographers and biologists identified crystalline quartz and zeolite imported miles from the city. The quartz found in the coarse sand along with zeolite, a crystalline compound consisting of silicon and aluminum, create a natural molecular sieve. Both minerals are used in modern water filtration.

The filters would have removed harmful microbes, nitrogen-rich compounds, heavy metals such as mercury and other toxins from the water, said Kenneth Barnett Tankersley, associate professor of anthropology and lead author of the study.

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Ancient Maya built sophisticated water filters (Original Post) Jim__ Oct 2020 OP
Fascinating. Thank you for posting. niyad Oct 2020 #1
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