Wastewater treatment in thanatopraxy

This week we have a different article. We are going to talk about the waste that we generate to remain beautiful once we leave this world.

The growing demand to give “beauty to the dead”, especially in Latin American countries where tradition exhibits the body of the deceased or during several days, has produced a flourishing business of beauty services and body preservation.

This ancient practice began in remote civilizations, especially in Egypt. It consisted of removing the organs and body fluids and injecting substances that helped maintain body tissue. In addition, we have aesthetic stylists that are responsible for touching up makeup to hide flaws and to beautify the body. The enhanced body is then ready to receive the farewell of friends and loved ones with the best possible appearance, trying to give the impression that the person is asleep and died peacefully.

This original form of “makeup”, that is known as thanatopraxy (embalming), generates waste that is considered toxic and dangerous, both biologically and chemically. Both the internal fluids and organs should be treated according to current legislation. Incineration is the most common way to dispose of organs. In addition, chemicals substances should also be managed carefully considering their danger.

Major thanatopraxy centers can produce several hundred liters of liquid non-biological waste, basically, chemical substances, contaminated wash water, etc. The minimization of these effluents on location by vacuum evaporation equipment reduces the volume of liquid waste to manage and optimizes the cost of treatment.

Through a simple process of vacuum evaporation, waste is concentrated without emitting fumes into the atmosphere. In addition, purified water is obtained that can be sent to an urban sanitation system with a total guarantee of safety.