Abstract: The invention describes a system for creating portable, porous structures for restoring coastline. The invention provides for a bag with multiple longitudinal pockets. The bag is made of porous natural or synthetic mesh material and the pockets are filled with lightweight, porous manufactured aggregate. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight aggregate used in this invention is produced by thermal fusion of silicate clays in a rotary kiln. In another preferred embodiment, multiple bags are encased in a flexible grid material to form a mat. In another embodiment, the mat can be rolled into a log. The bags, mats, and logs can be placed on shorelines and other locations to restore coastline.

Abstract: The invention describes a system for creating potable, porous structures for restoring coastline. The invention provides for a bag with multiple longitudinal pockets. The bag is made of porous natural or synthetic mesh material and the pockets are filled with lightweight, porous manufactured aggregate. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight aggregate used in this invention is produced by thermal fusion of silicate clays in a rotary kiln. In another preferred embodiment, multiple bags are encased in a flexible grid material to for a mat. In another embodiment, the mat can be rolled into a log. The bags, mats, and logs can be placed on shorelines and other location to restore coastline.

Abstract: A method for in-situ burning of oil slicks on water, including the steps of: 1) providing a plurality of individual floating wicks; 2) positioning the wicks in the oil slick; and 3) igniting the wicks. Additionally, a method for manufacturing floating wicks for use in burning oil spills, including the steps of: 1) providing a wick material having a dry density less than water; 2) applying to the wick material an oleophilic, hydrophobic coating such that the coated wick material has an oil uptake capacity of at least 2 g/g and a water uptake capacity of no greater than 5 g/g; and 3) drying the wick material.

Abstract: A method for in-situ burning of oil slicks on water, including the steps of 1) providing a plurality of individual floating wicks; 2) positioning the wicks in the oil slick; and 3) igniting the wicks. Additionally, a method for manufacturing floating wicks for use in burning oil spills, including the steps of 1) providing a wick material having a dry density less than water; 2) applying to the wick material an oleophilic, hydrophobic coating such that the coated wick material has an oil uptake capacity of at least 2 g/g and a water uptake capacity of no greater than 5 g/g; and 3) drying the wick material.

Abstract: Process for enriching the organic nitrogen content of commercial scale quantities of cellulosic materials which includes the steps of: a) placing substantially dry or unwetted cellulosic material in a pressurizable reactor; b) injecting an ammonia or ammonia-forming nitrogen solution into the reactor until the cellulosic material is approximately submerged; c) setting the temperature in the reactor to maintain a liquid temperature between about 80 and 200° C.; d) pressurizing the reactor to at least 750 psi; e) maintaining the temperature and pressure in the reactor for a period of time sufficient for the organically bound nitrogen content of the cellulosic material to exceed about 1.5%; and f) drying the cellulosic material to a moisture content sufficiently low to arrest microbial activity.