---
title: "What is Alkaline Hydrolysis? - Aquamation Info"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/99d35dba-7bf5-43e1-b105-72c231edd7d8
source_url: "https://aquamationinfo.com/what-is-alkaline-hydrolysis/"
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summary: "Alkaline hydrolysis (also known as aquamation or water cremation) is a method of final disposition that uses water flow, temperature, and alkalinity to accelerate the natural decomposition of organic materials, leaving only bones and metal. The process, patented in the U.S. in 1888, is considered a gentler and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation, with lower carbon footprint and fuel usage."
tags: "alkaline-hydrolysis, aquamation, water-cremation, disposition, environmentally-friendly, cremation-alternative, funeral"
key_entities: "Alkaline Hydrolysis (concept), Aquamation (concept), Water Cremation (concept), CANA (organization), Bio-Response Solutions (organization), AquamationInfo.com (organization), New Republic (organization), Mitch (person)"
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# What is Alkaline Hydrolysis? - Aquamation Info

What is Alkaline Hydrolysis? Mitch December 16, 2020 10:50 am Alkaline Hydrolysis (Aquamation, Water Cremation) is a method of final disposition that is available for both our human and pet loved ones. A combination of gentle water flow, temperature, and alkalinity are used to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials. The decomposition that occurs in alkaline hydrolysis is the same as that which occurs during burial, just sped up dramatically by the chemicals. The effluent is sterile, and contains salts, sugars, amino acids and peptides. There is no tissue and no DNA left after the process completes. This effluent is discharged with all other wastewater, and is a welcome addition to the water systems. (SOURCE: CANA ) There are several reasons people give for choosing alkaline hydrolysis, when available, instead of traditional flame-based cremation. It is viewed as a gentler process The process is more environmentally friendly. It uses significantly less fuel and has an overall lower carbon footprint than both traditional cremation and burial. Some people want cremation but are afraid of fire and see it as a good alternative. It is a new alternative to existing forms of disposition. (SOURCE: CANA ) Alkaline hydrolysis was patented in the U.S. in 1888, and the process hasn’t changed much since then. The body is submerged in a solution of about 95 percent water and 5 percent alkali—usually sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. The liquid is heated and set at a high pressure to avoid boiling, causing the body to shed its proteins and fats. The decomposition creates a coffee-colored liquid, which contains amino acids, peptides, sugars, and salts. That liquid gets flushed down the drain, and treated like any other type of wastewater. Only bones and metal remain. (SOURCE: NEW REPUBLIC ) The modern technology has been in use by universities and the scientific industries for over 25 years! It has been used for the final disposition of human bodies donated to medical science since 1995. The first pet facility was opened in 2007, and the first funeral home to use the technology was in 2011. For more information visit aquamationinfo.com/faq or e-mail Bio-Response Solutions at info@bioresponsesolutioons.com Pet System Human System