[Mercury determination in prehispanic Colombian biological samples: first experiences and investigation perspectives].
Mercury is useful as a tracer of environmental pollution levels. We measured mercury levels in hair from two human mummies (XII and XIV centuries, respectively) and from a stag (Odocoileus virginianus). The total and inorganic mercury levels found in the samples were very low. This findings indicated a minimal exposure to mercury in food and its absence in the atmosphere. Mercury levels can be used to explore the relationship between humans and environment, especially after metallurgy appeared, and to assess environmental contamination in different periods.
Idrovo
Alvaro J
AJ
Departamento de Salud Pública y Tropical, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, D.C., Colombia. idrovoaj@hotmail.com
Romero
William M
WM
Silva
Elizabeth
E
Villamil de García
Gladys
G
Ortiz
Jaime E
JE
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D003105:Colombia; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis*; D008669:Metallurgy; D009106:Mummies; D014116:Toxicology / Q000266:history
D015415:Biomarkers; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D008628:Mercury