Carlifornia Crematory Manager Practice Exam

What is a key feature of human remains when using a hydrolysis process?

1. They must be wrapped in plastic

2. They should be treated with chemicals

3. They are placed in water to accelerate decomposition

4. They remain unaltered until cremation

The correct answer is: They are placed in water to accelerate decomposition

The hydrolysis process, also known as alkaline hydrolysis or water cremation, involves placing human remains in a solution that typically contains water and alkali, which accelerates the decomposition of the body. This key feature highlights the unique aspect of hydrolysis compared to traditional cremation; it uses a combination of heat, pressure, and chemical reactions to efficiently break down organic material. This method allows for a more environmentally friendly and less energy-intensive process than traditional cremation. Unlike the option suggesting that remains must be wrapped in plastic or treated with chemicals, hydrolysis specifically focuses on the role of water in speeding up decomposition. It also stands apart from the idea that remains stay unaltered until cremation because hydrolysis fundamentally alters the materials through the process itself before any final disposition occurs. Therefore, the correct understanding here centers around the use of water to facilitate the rapid breakdown of human remains during hydrolysis.