Biological Wastewater Treatment Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type, By End-User Industry, By Technology, By Application, By Region & Competition, 2020-2030F

Description

The Global Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, valued at USD 10.01 billion in 2024, is projected to reach USD 14.34 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 6.01%. Market growth is being driven by rapid urbanization, expanding industrial activities, and the global push toward sustainable water management. Biological treatment methods, which utilize microorganisms to degrade organic pollutants, are increasingly favored due to their environmental friendliness, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness in treating both municipal and industrial wastewater. Rising awareness about water pollution and stricter regulations governing effluent discharge are accelerating adoption across regions. Urban growth, especially in emerging economies, is straining existing wastewater systems, creating demand for advanced biological solutions. Meanwhile, industries like food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and textiles are adopting these technologies to meet environmental standards and minimize ecological impact. The combined effect of regulatory pressure, industrial demand, and the global need for clean water positions biological wastewater treatment as a critical solution for sustainable wastewater management.

Market Overview
Forecast Period	2026-2030
Market Size 2024	USD 10.01 Billion
Market Size 2030	USD 14.34 Billion
CAGR 2025-2030	6.01%
Fastest Growing Segment	Aerobic
Largest Market	North America

Key Market Drivers

Stringent Environmental Regulations on Effluent Discharge

Global environmental policies are increasingly enforcing stricter regulations on the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated wastewater. Countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Japan have implemented stringent standards, where failure to comply can lead to heavy penalties or operational halts. Biological wastewater treatment systems are becoming the preferred solution due to their proven ability to effectively remove biodegradable organic materials and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. These capabilities help industries and municipalities meet regulatory benchmarks efficiently. Regulatory frameworks such as the European Union's Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive require biological treatment for communities exceeding 2,000 population equivalents, prompting broader global adoption. Industrial sectors, including pulp & paper, food & beverage, and textiles, are under increasing pressure to adopt or upgrade biological treatment systems to comply with such mandates and ensure sustainable operations.

Key Market Challenges

High Capital and Operational Costs of Advanced Biological Systems

Despite their environmental advantages, advanced biological wastewater treatment systems pose significant financial challenges. High initial capital outlays are required for building infrastructure such as aeration tanks and sludge handling units, especially for technologies like Membrane Bioreactors (MBR) and Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBR). This financial burden is particularly daunting for low-income regions and small-scale operators. Moreover, the ongoing operational expenses-including energy-intensive aeration processes, skilled labor, monitoring systems, and regular maintenance-add to the total cost of ownership. The need for periodic replacement of components like membranes or biofilm media further increases lifecycle costs. These economic constraints hinder widespread adoption, especially where municipal budgets are tight or cost-efficiency takes precedence, often resulting in the continued use of less effective or more environmentally harmful alternatives.

Key Market Trends

Integration of AI, IoT, and Automation for Smart Process Management

The adoption of digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and automation is transforming biological wastewater treatment into a more intelligent and efficient process. These innovations allow real-time monitoring and autonomous control of critical operations, including aeration, nutrient balance, and sludge management. Smart systems can quickly respond to changes in influent conditions, detect microbial imbalances, and automatically adjust parameters to ensure continuous compliance and optimal performance. AI-driven analytics enable predictive maintenance and help minimize system downtimes. IoT-enabled sensors installed across treatment units provide precise data on parameters like dissolved oxygen, pH, BOD, and ammonia levels. These advancements are being embraced globally, particularly in areas with labor shortages or complex treatment needs. Municipal utilities in Europe and industrial zones in China and India are leading adopters of AI-augmented treatment plants, which enhance reliability, reduce manual intervention, and support long-term sustainability.

Key Market Players

Veolia Water Technologies
SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions
Ecolab Inc.
Xylem Inc.
Pentair plc
AECOM
Aquatech International LLC
Evoqua Water Technologies
Organica Water
Kurita Water Industries Ltd.

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Biological Wastewater Treatment Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, By Type:

Aerobic
Anaerobic

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, By End-User Industry:

Municipal
Industrial

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, By Technology:

Suspended Growth Systems
Attached Growth Systems
Integrated Systems

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, By Application:

Effluent Treatment Plants
Sewage Treatment Plants
Common & Combined Effluent Treatment Plants

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, By Region:

North America
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
Europe
- Germany
- France
- United Kingdom
- Italy
- Spain
South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Colombia
Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Australia
Middle East & Africa
- Saudi Arabia
- UAE
- South Africa

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Biological Wastewater Treatment Market.

Available Customizations:

Global Biological Wastewater Treatment Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

1. Product Overview

1.1. Market Definition
1.2. Scope of the Market
- 1.2.1. Markets Covered
- 1.2.2. Years Considered for Study
- 1.2.3. Key Market Segmentations

2. Research Methodology

2.1. Objective of the Study
2.2. Baseline Methodology
2.3. Key Industry Partners
2.4. Major Association and Secondary Sources
2.5. Forecasting Methodology
2.6. Data Triangulation & Validation
2.7. Assumptions and Limitations

3. Executive Summary

3.1. Overview of the Market
3.2. Overview of Key Market Segmentations
3.3. Overview of Key Market Players
3.4. Overview of Key Regions/Countries
3.5. Overview of Market Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

4. Voice of Customer

5. Global Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

5.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 5.1.1. By Value
5.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 5.2.1. By Type (Aerobic, Anaerobic)
- 5.2.2. By End-User Industry (Municipal, Industrial)
- 5.2.3. By Technology (Suspended Growth Systems, Attached Growth Systems, Integrated Systems)
- 5.2.4. By Application (Effluent Treatment Plants, Sewage Treatment Plants, Common & Combined Effluent Treatment Plants)
- 5.2.5. By Region (North America, Europe, South America, Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific)
5.3. By Company (2024)
5.4. Market Map

6. North America Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

6.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 6.1.1. By Value
6.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 6.2.1. By Type
- 6.2.2. By End-User Industry
- 6.2.3. By Technology
- 6.2.4. By Application
- 6.2.5. By Country
6.3. North America: Country Analysis
- 6.3.1. United States Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 6.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 6.3.1.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 6.3.1.2.3. By Technology
    - 6.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 6.3.2. Canada Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 6.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 6.3.2.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 6.3.2.2.3. By Technology
    - 6.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 6.3.3. Mexico Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 6.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 6.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 6.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 6.3.3.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 6.3.3.2.3. By Technology
    - 6.3.3.2.4. By Application

7. Europe Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

7.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 7.1.1. By Value
7.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 7.2.1. By Type
- 7.2.2. By End-User Industry
- 7.2.3. By Technology
- 7.2.4. By Application
- 7.2.5. By Country
7.3. Europe: Country Analysis
- 7.3.1. Germany Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.1.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 7.3.1.2.3. By Technology
    - 7.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.2. France Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.2.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 7.3.2.2.3. By Technology
    - 7.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.3. United Kingdom Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.3.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 7.3.3.2.3. By Technology
    - 7.3.3.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.4. Italy Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.4.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.4.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 7.3.4.2.3. By Technology
    - 7.3.4.2.4. By Application
- 7.3.5. Spain Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 7.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 7.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 7.3.5.2.1. By Type
    - 7.3.5.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 7.3.5.2.3. By Technology
    - 7.3.5.2.4. By Application

8. Asia Pacific Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

8.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 8.1.1. By Value
8.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 8.2.1. By Type
- 8.2.2. By End-User Industry
- 8.2.3. By Technology
- 8.2.4. By Application
- 8.2.5. By Country
8.3. Asia Pacific: Country Analysis
- 8.3.1. China Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.1.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 8.3.1.2.3. By Technology
    - 8.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.2. India Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.2.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 8.3.2.2.3. By Technology
    - 8.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.3. Japan Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.3.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 8.3.3.2.3. By Technology
    - 8.3.3.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.4. South Korea Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.4.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.4.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.4.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.4.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 8.3.4.2.3. By Technology
    - 8.3.4.2.4. By Application
- 8.3.5. Australia Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 8.3.5.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.1.1. By Value
  - 8.3.5.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 8.3.5.2.1. By Type
    - 8.3.5.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 8.3.5.2.3. By Technology
    - 8.3.5.2.4. By Application

9. Middle East & Africa Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

9.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 9.1.1. By Value
9.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 9.2.1. By Type
- 9.2.2. By End-User Industry
- 9.2.3. By Technology
- 9.2.4. By Application
- 9.2.5. By Country
9.3. Middle East & Africa: Country Analysis
- 9.3.1. Saudi Arabia Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 9.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 9.3.1.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 9.3.1.2.3. By Technology
    - 9.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 9.3.2. UAE Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 9.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 9.3.2.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 9.3.2.2.3. By Technology
    - 9.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 9.3.3. South Africa Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 9.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 9.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 9.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 9.3.3.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 9.3.3.2.3. By Technology
    - 9.3.3.2.4. By Application

10. South America Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook

10.1. Market Size & Forecast
- 10.1.1. By Value
10.2. Market Share & Forecast
- 10.2.1. By Type
- 10.2.2. By End-User Industry
- 10.2.3. By Technology
- 10.2.4. By Application
- 10.2.5. By Country
10.3. South America: Country Analysis
- 10.3.1. Brazil Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 10.3.1.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.1.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.1.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.1.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 10.3.1.2.3. By Technology
    - 10.3.1.2.4. By Application
- 10.3.2. Colombia Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 10.3.2.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.2.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.2.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.2.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 10.3.2.2.3. By Technology
    - 10.3.2.2.4. By Application
- 10.3.3. Argentina Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Outlook
  - 10.3.3.1. Market Size & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.1.1. By Value
  - 10.3.3.2. Market Share & Forecast
    - 10.3.3.2.1. By Type
    - 10.3.3.2.2. By End-User Industry
    - 10.3.3.2.3. By Technology
    - 10.3.3.2.4. By Application

11. Market Dynamics

11.1. Drivers
11.2. Challenges

12. Market Trends and Developments

12.1. Merger & Acquisition (If Any)
12.2. Product Launches (If Any)
12.3. Recent Developments

13. Company Profiles

13.1. Veolia Water Technologies
- 13.1.1. Business Overview
- 13.1.2. Key Revenue and Financials
- 13.1.3. Recent Developments
- 13.1.4. Key Personnel
- 13.1.5. Key Product/Services Offered
13.2. SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions
13.3. Ecolab Inc.
13.4. Xylem Inc.
13.5. Pentair plc
13.6. AECOM
13.7. Aquatech International LLC
13.8. Evoqua Water Technologies
13.9. Organica Water
13.10. Kurita Water Industries Ltd.