Wash High graduate’s company making a splash
Here’s a sobering statistic: worldwide, about 783 million people do not have access to clean and safe water.
In Western Pennsylvania, for example, recent outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease – linked to the water systems at the Veterans Administration Pittsburgh Health System – killed and sickened patients, and Legionella bacteria was found in water tanks at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, in June.
Enter Abram Pleta, 28, a Washington High School graduate and a graduate research assistant at Clemson University’s International Center for Automotive Research.
Pleta’s startup company, Silecte International, is marketing a game-changing water disinfection system that kills bacteria, including Legionella, E. coli and staphylococcus.
The environmentally friendly product uses no chemicals, has no carbon footprint and uses no electricity – critically important in rural areas, or areas where blackouts are common, because UV water purification, which isn’t as effective anyway, is not an option.
“It’s the safest drinking water you can get,” said Pleta. “Bacteria will not slip through it. Our lab tests show that we can reduce the presence of E. coli, Legionella and staph bacteria by log 5 to log 7, meaning essentially 100 percent. You could put it in the pipes at Allegheny General Hospital and the VA hospitals, and you’re going to kill Legionella bacteria. It’s massively game-changing.”
Silecte International’s parent company is Claire Technologies, and Pleta’s goal is to market the patented disinfection technology invented by Cristian Cris, CTO of Claire Technologies, in the southeast region.
Silecte is targeting consumer, industrial and agricultural markets.
Pleta received $10,000 in prize money for his startup company at the Pitch Smackdown, a “Shark Tank”-like competition sponsored by the Arthur M. Spiro Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Clemson University College of Business.
Pleta’s company’s philosophy emphasizes global stewardship.
“I’m addicted to technology. But my passion has always been people first and technology second. If I can combine those passions, and come up with something that helps people, I’m happy,” said Pleta. “If I can provide clean water for people in sub-Saharan Africa, and better, safer water for someone in Manhattan, I’ll do whatever I can to make that possible.”
Silecte’s water disinfection technology has been validated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Homeland Security.
Currently, the EPA is testing the disinfection filter in the water system in Flint, Mich., where at least a dozen people have died from Legionnaire’s disease after the city decided to access drinking water from the Flint River.
“I see the global reach this could have, and I’m super excited,” said Pleta.
The filter also has been used at fish farms in China, cooling towers, and in hot tubs, which Pleta describes as “breeding grounds for bacteria.”
The filter has agricultural implications, too. According to third party tests, the ultrapurified water has yielded plants up to 40 percent larger than those watered without the Silecte filter.
Quantum disinfection is poised to play a significant role in water conservation and water retention in drought-stricken areas from California to Africa.
“If you use the quantum disinfection, more of the water you use to irrigate the plant will be absorbed by the plant, whereas without it, the water will run off and will either be evaporated or absorbed deeper into the soil, without the plant absorbing it,” explained Pleta, noting the water not being absorbed is effectively being dumped into the ground.
A self-described workaholic, Pleta is working to complete his doctorate while starting the company.
“I’m not getting a whole lot of sleep right now,” said Pleta, “but I love having things thrown at me like this, It’s much easier for me not to sleep at night because what I’m doing can ultimately give back, help people and do some good.”