Abstract: A biodegradable runoff filter is an apparatus that is used to filter silt, chemicals, and other contaminants out of water runoff produced at or near a work site. The apparatus includes a biodegradable filter sock, a botanical biomass filling, and a fastener. The biodegradable filter sock is a water-permeable container that is used to contain an amount of the botanical biomass filling. The biodegradable filter sock includes a lateral portion, an open end and a closed end. The lateral portion and the closed end surround the botanical biomass filling and contain it to a specific area. The open end of the biodegradable filter sock allows the botanical biomass filling to be packed into the biodegradable filter sock. The fastener fits over the open end and cinches the open end shut to prevent the botanical biomass filling from falling out of the biodegradable filter sock.

Abstract: A process for producing a novel catalyst wherein an amorphous alumina gel is formed at least on the surface of an aluminum-containing material, the gel is heated to form crystalline .alpha.- or .beta.-alumina trihydrate and the trihydrate is sulfided, the product of said process, and the method of producing mercaptans from alcohols or ethers and hydrogen sulfide at elevated temperature in the presence of said novel catalyst, are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A process for producing a novel catalyst wherein an amorphous alumina gel is formed at least on the surface of an aluminum-containing material, the gel is heated to form crystalline .alpha.- or .beta.-alumina trihydrate and the trihydrate is sulfided, the product of said process, and the method of producing mercaptans from alcohols or ethers and hydrogen sulfide at elevated temperature in the presence of said novel catalyst, are disclosed herein.