Alkaline hydrolysis new alternative to cremation

• April 27, 2024

Incineration is a method that day by day becomes stronger as an alternative to traditional burial. Data published by the Cremation Society of Great Britain, point out that in Western societies, incineration is the preferred formula of most people, with respect to other cultures such as Orientals.

However, the main drawback is that it releases large amounts of carbon oxides, dioxins and other pollutants into the atmosphere, in addition to the volatilized mercury from dental fillings. Although it sounds incredible, the funeral industry looks for formulas to minimize the risks of cremation and new techniques that reduce the environmental impact.

Alkaline hydrolysis

An interesting proposal is the alkaline hydrolysis that consists of introducing the mortal remains in a steel cylinder under pressure that pours a mixture of potassium hydroxide and water at 170º C.

After the process, which lasts approximately two hours, the only remaining solid residue is a matrix of calcium phosphate from the bones that retains the skeleton shape, but when compressed it crumbles and is reduced to a small pile of salt , same that is delivered to the relatives.

Biological recycling

One of the pioneering companies in this field is the Scottish Resomation . Sandy Sullivan, its CEO, has noted that "biocremation uses water instead of fire, is an accelerated version of natural decomposition and produces eight times less carbon dioxide than cremation with a third of the energy.

No mercury emissions (the fillings remain whole in the dust), neutralizes the embalming fluid, destroys any disease (viruses and bacteria) and returns to the ecosystem only the elemental organic blocks of life.

For Sullivan, it is a novel system of human disposition similar to that used by the European Union in the wake of mad cow disease. Each country, however, has its own legislation regarding the application of this method in humans.

Method already tested ...

According to the director of Resomation , in the United States, only in New Hampshire and Minnesota its use is approved and in this last state, the Mayo Clinic disposes each year of about 100 donated bodies to science, which since 2005 are recycled by alkaline hydrolysis.

In the case of Europe, Sullivan trusts that the legal framework adapts; for now countries like France, Germany and Italy have already shown interest.

Video Medicine: Leaving Earth the Greenest Way Possible: Water Cremation (April 2024).