Carlifornia Crematory Manager Practice Exam

What is hydrolysate?

1. A byproduct of traditional cremation

2. A sterile liquid from the hydrolysis process

3. A container for cremated remains

4. A type of human remains

The correct answer is: A sterile liquid from the hydrolysis process

Hydrolysate refers to a sterile liquid produced during the hydrolysis process, which is often associated with alkaline hydrolysis, a method of body disposition. In this process, the body is chemically broken down using a combination of water, heat, and a strong alkali, resulting in a liquid byproduct that contains the water-soluble organic materials from the body. This method is considered an alternative to traditional cremation and is recognized for being environmentally friendly since it utilizes less energy and produces fewer emissions. The liquid produced is typically safe and can be handled responsibly, often leading to its use in other applications, such as fertilizer or waste treatment. In contrast, other options do not accurately define hydrolysate. The byproduct of traditional cremation refers to what is left after combustion rather than a liquid produced in the hydrolysis process. A container for cremated remains, often referred to as an urn, has no relation to the hydrolysis process itself. Lastly, hydrolysate does not define human remains; instead, it results from the process that involves breaking down those remains.