The alternative to cremation of bodies that would be implemented in Colombia, according to the new law

Alkaline hydrolysis is reportedly becoming a reality in Colombia, as the bill seeking to regulate this cremation method is currently in its final debate in the Senate .

It's worth explaining that this technique, known as 'water cremation,' is already used in countries such as Australia, the United States, and Mexico , and is offered as a more economical and sustainable option for reducing human bodies to their skeletal remains by immersing them in a mixture of water and chemicals at high temperatures.

This issue, however, has generated divided opinions. Some experts claim that this method would create difficulties for the forensic sector in Colombia and also mention specific situations, such as forced disappearances and the concealment of bodies.

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" From a forensic point of view, it is very delicate because it basically eliminates the human being ," said Dr. Carlos Eduardo Valdés, former director of the National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences , in statements to 'W Radio'

He also explained: " The criminal is not going to comply with the law (…) a wonderful door opens for people who are interested in making other human beings disappear ."

On the other hand, supporters of this initiative claim that alkaline hydrolysis generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions , so the environmental impact is much lower compared to the traditional cremation method.

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Pedro Suárez Vacca, representative of the Historic Pact and one of the authors of the project , stated to the same station that this method is of great help in " having a more environmentally friendly disposal of remains ."

He also mentioned that this allows for the recovery of used water: " The chemicals are extracted and it passes through wastewater treatment plants, so no contaminated water will be discharged," clarifying that this procedure cannot be applied to the bodies of people who have been violently murdered or to suspected criminals: "The law contains several controls and they could be expanded if necessary ."

How does it work?

The deceased's body is placed in an airtight container along with a solution of water and an alkaline compound (usually potassium or sodium hydroxide) . This mixture is heated to controlled temperatures, which helps accelerate the natural decomposition process.

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After a few hours, when the alkaline hydrolysis process is complete, the remains of the bones are dried and pulverized, resulting in ashes that are given to the family , similar to how it is done with conventional cremation.

The liquid remaining after hydrolysis, technically referred to as "effluent," contains salts, sugars, amino acids, and peptides, and is sterile. It is finally discharged into the sewer after appropriate treatment.

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