Talk:Lime (mineral)

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[edit] Lime and corpses

Why do people throw lime on dead bodies? In some sources it is explained that lime prevents decay and the spread of infection, elsewhere it's stated that lime assists with decomposition. Bastie 12:42, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

I came here to post the im gay --Richard Arthur Norton (1958- ) 09:51, 6 January 2007 (UTC)

Lime - in this case both CaO and Ca(OH)2 can be used - is a biocide. So it will prevent the growth of microorganisms and will inhibit the decomposition process for a while. It will also neutralize and immobilize acidic components formed in the decomposition process. This will reduce the odour of decomposition. For this purpose lime is also used in the treatment of sewage and of animal & human feces. For example in outdoor toilets (shits), powdered lime or limestone should be added regularly, to suppress the smell. Furthermore by its neutralizing property, lime can also promote the aerobic breakdown of organic components, as many aerobe bacteria are hampered by the acids formed in the decomposition. The inability of aerobic bacteria to cope with such acidic conditions can result in an anaerobic decomposition. As you might know, anaerobic decompositions produce compounds like methane, H2S and NH3 (among many others), which cause strong odours as well. Finally, the neutralization caused by lime and even more so limestone is more moderate than for e.g. with caustic soda (NaOH), because lime will release its alkalinity slower and over a longer periode, resulting in more stable pH conditions during the decomposition. --Mirkano (talk) 13:16, 21 March 2008 (UTC)

[edit] What makes lime, lime?

What makes lime, lime? What's the etymology of the word? 220.253.2.78 10:56, 11 May 2007 (UTC)

Looks like it's originally from an Old Norse word meaning "slime." See http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/lime Badagnani 03:05, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Which kind used for nixtamalization?

Which specific variety of lime is used for nixtamalization? Badagnani 03:03, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

As an alkaline is required, that would be Ca(OH)2, hydrated lime. A suspension of hydrated lime has a pH of 12.3.--Mirkano (talk) 13:16, 21 March 2008 (UTC)