Minnesota State Mortician Practice Exam

What is alkaline hydrolysis in the context of final disposition?

1. A traditional burial method

2. A method for cremation

3. A chemical process for body disposition

4. A type of embalming

The correct answer is: A chemical process for body disposition

Alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation or aquamation, is a method that utilizes a chemical process to break down the body using a solution of water and potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. This process occurs under heat and pressure, effectively dissolving the soft tissues, leaving behind only bone fragments. These fragments can then be processed into a fine powder, similar to cremation ashes. In contrast to traditional burial methods, which involve placing the body in the ground, and cremation, which uses fire to reduce the body to ashes, alkaline hydrolysis offers an environmentally friendly alternative for final disposition. It significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to cremation and does not produce harmful emissions. This is why it is categorized as a chemical process for body disposition, marking it as a distinct choice among the options presented. The method aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable practices in the funeral industry, thus making it a relevant topic in modern discussions surrounding final disposition methods.