Which method is mainly used to absorb hazardous liquids temporarily?

The method primarily used to absorb hazardous liquids temporarily is retention. Retention involves creating a barrier or utilizing materials that can soak up or hold hazardous liquids to prevent them from spreading further. This method is critical in managing spills, as it helps to control the immediate environment around the liquid, allowing for safer cleanup and disposal of the hazardous material.

Retention typically involves the use of absorbent materials such as pads, socks, or booms designed specifically for this purpose. These materials can effectively trap and absorb the liquid, containing the hazard in a manageable area until more permanent response actions can be taken.

In contrast, containment refers to the overall strategy of holding hazardous material with the intent to prevent it from spreading, but it is more about enclosing the area rather than actually absorbing the liquid. Diversion involves redirecting the flow of hazardous materials away from certain areas, which can be useful but does not directly absorb the liquid. Isolation refers to keeping people and non-involved materials away from the hazardous situation, which does not address the need for temporary absorption of the liquid itself.