Fecal Steroids as Tracers of Human Population and Waste Management Practices at the Ancient Maya City of Ucanal, Guatemala

ABSTRACT Geochemical data compiled from dried sediments from three water reservoirs at the ancient Maya city of Ucanal, Petén, Guatemala, reveal low to undetectable fecal biomarker concentrations. These low concentrations may be the result of the aerobic decay of sterols combined with well‐managed waste disposal practices. Despite generally low concentrations of fecal biomarkers, evidence was detected for increased fecal residues during the Late Classic and Terminal Classic periods, corresponding with population increases at the site. Together, the evidence suggests that Maya inhabitants of Ucanal created an urban environment that prevented, to some degree, fecal waste pollution of their water resources.