Zeolite water purification at Tikal, an ancient Maya city in Guatemala
The article presents evidence of the oldest known zeolite water purification system discovered in the sediments of the Corriental reservoir at Tikal, an ancient Maya city in Guatemala. This reservoir served as a crucial drinking water source during the Late Preclassic to Late Classic periods. Through X-ray diffraction analysis and radiocarbon dating, the study reveals that between approximately 2185 and 965 cal yr B.P., the water was filtered using a combination of zeolite and coarse, sand-sized crystalline quartz. Zeolite, a porous aluminosilicate mineral, is recognized for its ability to adsorb harmful microbes and toxins, thus enhancing the safety of drinking water.
Historically, it was believed that zeolites were not utilized for water purification until the 20th century, and that the oldest water purification systems were located in Europe and southern Asia. This study challenges that notion by demonstrating that the Maya civilization, particularly in Tikal, developed sophisticated water filtration methods due to their unique environmental challenges, including a karst landscape and tropical climate that made their water sources susceptible to contamination.
The research involved a detailed examination of three major reservoirs at Tikal, focusing on their mineralogical composition and sediment chronology. The findings indicate that the Corriental reservoir is distinct in its lack of chemical pollutants and the presence of zeolite, which was not found in other reservoirs. The study posits that the zeolite filtration system was likely constructed using local materials and was strategically placed to optimize water purification during heavy rainfall events.
Overall, the article highlights the advanced understanding of water management and purification techniques among the ancient Maya, suggesting that they had a more complex relationship with their environment than previously acknowledged.