Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Research Report By Type of Wastewater (Municipal Wastewater, Industrial Wastewater, Agricultural Wastewater, Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows), By Treatment Process (Activated Sludge Process, Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), Trickling Filter Process, Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)), By End-User Industry (Food and Beverage, Chemical and Pharmaceutical, Textile and Paper, Metal and Mining, Oil and Gas), By Bacteria Type (Aerobic Bacteria, Anaerobic Bacteria, Facultativ

Global Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Overview

As per MRFR analysis, the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Size was estimated at 30.6 (USD Billion) in 2022.

 The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Industry is expected to grow from 32.73(USD Billion) in 2023 to 60.0 (USD Billion) by 2032. The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market CAGR (growth rate) is expected to be around 6.97% during the forecast period (2024 - 2032).

Key Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Trends Highlighted

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by stringent environmental regulations and rising concerns over water scarcity. Key market drivers include the increasing adoption of advanced biological treatment technologies, such as membrane bioreactors (MBRs) and sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), which offer superior treatment efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Opportunities for market growth lie in the exploration of novel biological treatment processes, such as anaerobic membrane bioreactors (AnMBRs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), which have the potential to enhance treatment performance and energy recovery. Additionally, the integration of digital technologies, such as sensors and automation systems, into biological wastewater treatment systems presents opportunities for optimization and remote monitoring.
Recent trends in the market include the growing focus on decentralized wastewater treatment systems, as well as the increasing adoption of hybrid biological treatment systems that combine different treatment technologies to achieve optimal performance. Furthermore, the development of cost-effective and sustainable treatment solutions for emerging contaminants, such as microplastics and pharmaceuticals, is gaining traction in the market.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Drivers

Growing Stringent Regulations and Environmental Concerns

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter environmental regulations to protect water resources and ecosystems from pollution. These regulations mandate industries and municipalities to adopt advanced wastewater treatment technologies to minimize the discharge of harmful contaminants. Biological wastewater treatment systems offer an effective and sustainable solution by utilizing microorganisms to break down organic pollutants and remove nutrients from wastewater.

The increasing adoption of these systems to comply with regulatory requirements is a significant driver for the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Industry.

Rising Demand for Water Reuse and Conservation

Water scarcity and an increasing amount of water usage have become the prime reasons for accelerating the adoption of water reuse and conservation strategies. One of the water reuse and conservation strategies is the use of biological wastewater treatment systems, which are mainly utilized for treating wastewater to a certain level that can be used for various non-potable applications. These non-potable applications include agricultural irrigation, industrial process water and groundwater recharge.

Correspondingly, the increasing demand for water reuse and conservation is anticipated to drive the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Industry across the globe.

Technological Advancements and Innovations

Continuous advancements in biotechnology and engineering are leading to the development of more efficient and cost-effective biological wastewater treatment technologies. Research and development efforts are focused on improving the performance of microorganisms, optimizing treatment processes, and reducing energy consumption. These advancements enhance the capabilities of biological wastewater treatment systems and make them more attractive for adoption by industries and municipalities.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Segment Insights:

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Type of Wastewater Insights

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is segmented on the basis of wastewater type into municipal wastewater, industrial wastewater, agricultural wastewater, stormwater and combined sewer overflows. The main segments of the market are evaluated below. Municipal Wastewater: Municipal wastewater is generated from households, commercial establishments and institutions. This is the largest segment of the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market and will account for over 50% of the global market revenue in 2023. The growth of the segment will be driven by a large-scale trend of urbanization, a growing population and stricter rules and regulations imposed by governments over the treatment of wastewater.

 Industrial Wastewater: Industrial wastewater is generated by industrial processes such as manufacturing, mining and food processing. The wastewater produced contains high levels of pollutants, such as heavy metals, organic compounds, and lethal man-made chemicals that require special treatment. The segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period on the back of growing industrialization and environmental awareness. Agricultural Wastewater: Agricultural activities, such as livestock production, crop irrigation and food processing, generate high levels of nutrients, pathogens and organic matter.

This leads to the pollution of water bodies and damage to aquatic wildlife. The segment will grow steadily over the forecast period due to greater agricultural activity and need for renewable wastewater disposal systems. Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs): Stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows are produced by heavy rainfall and contain a whole host of pollutants, such as sediment, nutrients and bacteria. The market value will rise to $60.0 billion by the end of the 22-year period. 

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Treatment Process Insights

The treatment process segment of the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years. The Activated Sludge Process (ASP) is projected to dominate the segment, accounting for over 40% of the market share in 2023. ASP is a widely adopted biological wastewater treatment technology due to its versatility, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR), with its compact design and ease of operation, is anticipated to experience notable growth. Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), known for its superior effluent quality and space efficiency, is expected to gain traction in the industrial and municipal sectors.

Trickling Filter Process, a mature technology with low maintenance requirements, is anticipated to maintain a stable market position. Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR), offering flexibility and adaptability to varying wastewater characteristics, is forecasted to contribute to the segment's growth. The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market revenue for the Treatment Process segment is projected to reach USD 20.5 billion by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 6.7%. The increasing demand for efficient and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions, coupled with stringent environmental regulations, is driving the growth of this segment.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market End-User Industry Insights

The end-user industry segment of the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by stringent environmental regulations and the increasing demand for wastewater treatment solutions across various industries. The food and beverage industry is projected to account for a substantial share of the market, owing to the need for effective wastewater treatment to comply with regulatory standards and ensure product quality. The chemical and pharmaceutical industry is another major end-user, with wastewater treatment playing a crucial role in reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

The textile and paper industry also generates significant amounts of wastewater, necessitating the adoption of biological treatment technologies to meet environmental compliance. Furthermore, the metal and mining industry faces challenges in treating wastewater contaminated with heavy metals, and biological wastewater treatment offers cost-effective and sustainable solutions. The oil and gas industry also requires wastewater treatment to remove pollutants and meet environmental regulations.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Bacteria Type Insights

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is segmented on the basis of bacteria type into aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria and facultative bacteria. The aerobic bacteria segment accounted for the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen for their metabolic processes and are commonly used in activated sludge and trickling filter systems. The anaerobic bacteria segment is expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period due to its advantages in treating wastewater with high organic content and its ability to produce biogas as a byproduct.

Facultative bacteria can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism depending on the availability of oxygen and are commonly used in sequencing batch reactors and membrane bioreactors.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Regional Insights

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is segmented into North America, Europe, APAC, South America and MEA. Among these regions, North America held the largest market share in 2023 and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The growth in this region can be attributed to the increasing adoption of advanced wastewater treatment technologies and stringent environmental regulations. Europe is the second-largest market for biological wastewater treatment, followed by APAC. The APAC region is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years due to the rising demand for wastewater treatment solutions in developing countries like China and India.

South America and MEA are relatively smaller markets for biological wastewater treatment but are expected to grow at a steady pace in the future. In 2024, the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is expected to be valued at 36.18 (USD Billion). The market is expected to reach 45.97 (USD Billion) by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.16% during the forecast period.

Source: Primary Research, Secondary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Key Players And Competitive Insights:

The main players in Biological Wastewater Treatment Market are involved in integrating automation into their service portfolio. Acquisitions and partnerships in Biological Wastewater Treatment Market industry are very common by these Leading Biological Wastewater Treatment Market players to enhance their services and expand their regional presence. Several trends in the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market field are at present prevailing in the market that include a focus on the development of sustainable and cost-effective wastewater treatment solutions, the growing need for efficient and environmentally friendly wastewater treatment technologies, stringent government regulations on wastewater discharge, increasing demand for water reuse and water conservation, and technological advancements in the field of Biological Wastewater Treatment Market. The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Competitive Landscape is anticipated to remain highly competitive during the next few years with the key players focusing on innovations, strategic partnerships, and geographical expansions as their key strategy to capture market share.
Veolia is one of the leading companies in the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market. The company was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in France. Veolia is partnered with key industry associations and research entities which helps in providing innovative and cost-effective solutions to the clients. It is a global leader in water, waste and energy management. The company offers a full range of Biological Wastewater Treatment Market services, which includes the design, construction, operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants, as well as sludge treatment and disposal solutions. The company is associated with key industry associations IDEAL-IWA that help in developing innovative approaches to providing wastewater treatment solutions. Veolia has over 50 years of experience in the delivery of innovative and sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. The company is committed to helping its customers meet their environmental goals. Veolia has a strong global presence with operations in over 50 countries. In September 2021, Veolia acquired Suez. Suez is a major global player in the water, waste and climate change industries. This acquisition is expected to increase Veolia’s presence in the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market.
Xylem is another major player in the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market. Xylem is involved in providing water and wastewater solutions. The company provides a wide range of Biological Wastewater Treatment Market products and services, which include pumps, valves, controls and treatment technologies. It also provides industrial water and wastewater treatment chemicals and equipment and other related equipment. The company offers Biological Wastewater Treatment Market services, which include the design and construction of wastewater treatment plants, remediation of contaminated water and other services. Xylem aims at launching innovative and sustainable solutions thus helping the clients in reducing their impact on the environment. The company serves over 150 countries worldwide. In November 2021, Xylem Inc., another major player in the global water technology market, announced that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Evoqua in an all-cash transaction worth $2.5 billion. Evoqua is a major provider of water treatment solutions and process technologies. The acquisition is expected to significantly expand Xylem’s existing product offerings and also broaden its geographical coverage.

Key Companies in the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Include:

• Severn Trent


• Black Veatch


• Degremont


• Pentair


• CH2M


• Mitsubishi Electric


• Kurita Water Industries


• Aquatech International


• Evoqua Water Technologies


• Hitachi Zosen


• Veolia


• CDM Smith


• GE Water Process Technologies


• Xylem


• Suez

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Industry Developments

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market is anticipated to grow from USD 23.3 billion in 2023 to USD 32.73 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.97% during the forecast period. Growing awareness regarding water pollution and stringent government regulations for wastewater discharge are major factors driving the market. Advanced technologies such as moving bed biofilm reactors (MBBRs) and membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are gaining traction due to their efficiency and compact size. The increasing adoption of biological wastewater treatment systems in various industries, including food beverages, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, is further propelling market growth. Strategic acquisitions and collaborations among key players are shaping the industry landscape, while research and development efforts are focused on developing cost-effective and sustainable solutions.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Segmentation Insights

• Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Type of Wastewater Outlook
  
  
  
  • Municipal Wastewater
  
  
  • Industrial Wastewater
  
  
  • Agricultural Wastewater
  
  
  • Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflows
  
  
  
  

• Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Treatment Process Outlook
  
  
  
  • Activated Sludge Process
  
  
  • Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)
  
  
  • Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)
  
  
  • Trickling Filter Process
  
  
  • Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
  
  
  
  

• Biological Wastewater Treatment Market End-User Industry Outlook
  
  
  
  • Food and Beverage
  
  
  • Chemical and Pharmaceutical
  
  
  • Textile and Paper
  
  
  • Metal and Mining
  
  
  • Oil and Gas
  
  
  
  

• Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Bacteria Type Outlook
  
  
  
  • Aerobic Bacteria
  
  
  • Anaerobic Bacteria
  
  
  • Facultative Bacteria
  
  
  
  

• Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Regional Outlook
  
  
  
  • North America
  
  
  • Europe
  
  
  • South America
  
  
  • Asia Pacific
  
  
  • Middle East and Africa