Global Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

In this report, the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market has been segmented by Process, Treatment Process, End-Use Industry and Geography.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, Segmentation by Process

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market has been segmented by Process into Aerobic and Anaerobic.

Aerobic

The aerobic process holds the largest market share of approximately 65% due to its widespread use in municipal wastewater treatment and industrial effluent management. This process relies on oxygen-dependent microorganisms to break down organic pollutants, making it highly effective for treating biodegradable waste with relatively short retention times.

Anaerobic

Anaerobic processes account for nearly 35% of the market and are commonly used in treating high-strength industrial wastewater such as from food & beverage or chemical manufacturing. These systems operate without oxygen and produce valuable biogas as a byproduct, offering benefits in terms of energy recovery and lower sludge generation.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, Segmentation by Treatment Process

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market has been segmented by Treatment Process into Activated Sludge Process, Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR), Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), Trickling Filter Process, and Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR).

Activated Sludge Process

The activated sludge process leads the market with over 35% share due to its extensive use in municipal wastewater treatment plants. This process involves the use of aerobic microorganisms to degrade organic pollutants in aeration tanks. It is cost-effective, efficient, and well-suited for large-scale operations.

Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR)

MBBR accounts for nearly 20% of the market and is favored for its compact design and low operational complexity. It uses free-floating biofilm carriers in the treatment tank to enhance biomass concentration and improve performance. MBBR is widely used in retrofitting existing plants and for industrial effluents.

Membrane Bioreactor (MBR)

MBR systems contribute about 18% to the market, combining biological degradation with membrane filtration for superior effluent quality. These systems are ideal for water reuse applications in urban and industrial settings. Despite higher capital and operating costs, MBR is gaining popularity for its compact footprint and high efficiency.

Trickling Filter Process

The trickling filter process holds around 15% of the market. It uses fixed-film media to support microbial growth, allowing wastewater to trickle through and be biologically treated. This process is valued for its low maintenance requirements and is often implemented in small communities and decentralized systems.

Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)

SBR represents approximately 12% of the market and operates on a time-sequenced cycle within a single tank. It offers flexibility in handling varying flow rates and is effective for treating municipal and industrial wastewater. SBR is gaining traction for its modular design and suitability for upgrading existing facilities.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, Segmentation by End-Use Industry

The Biological Wastewater Treatment Market has been segmented by End-Use Industry into Municipal, Industrial, Pulp & Paper, Meat & Poultry, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Others.

Municipal

The municipal segment dominates the biological wastewater treatment market with a share of approximately 50%. Increasing urban population, stringent government regulations, and demand for clean water infrastructure drive the adoption of biological treatment processes in municipal sewage treatment plants.

Industrial

The industrial segment accounts for around 20% of the market. Biological treatment is widely used to handle organic contaminants in wastewater generated from manufacturing operations. The need for cost-effective, environmentally sustainable treatment systems is propelling growth in this segment.

Pulp & Paper

This segment contributes nearly 8% to the market. The pulp & paper industry generates large volumes of high-strength wastewater rich in biodegradable organics. Biological systems are used to reduce biological oxygen demand (BOD) and ensure compliance with environmental discharge norms.

Meat & Poultry

Meat & poultry processing holds approximately 7% of the market. These operations produce wastewater with high levels of fat, protein, and blood contaminants. Biological treatment effectively manages this organic load, making it essential for sanitary discharge and resource recovery.

Chemicals

The chemicals segment comprises about 6% of the market. This industry requires treatment for a wide variety of organic compounds and hazardous waste. Advanced biological technologies are being adopted to reduce toxicity and improve wastewater reuse potential.

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmaceuticals contribute roughly 5% of the market, driven by strict regulations on active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in effluents. Biological treatment, often paired with advanced oxidation processes, is used to degrade complex organics and meet discharge compliance.

Others

The 'Others' category, including food & beverage, dairy, and textile industries, makes up the remaining 4%. These sectors rely on biological processes for the treatment of organic-rich effluents and are increasingly integrating energy-efficient treatment solutions.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Biological Wastewater Treatment Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Biological Wastewater Treatment Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America holds approximately 30% of the biological wastewater treatment market. The region benefits from well-established municipal infrastructure, strict environmental regulations, and increasing industrial demand for eco-friendly wastewater treatment. The U.S. and Canada lead the region with continuous investments in upgrading treatment facilities.

Europe

Europe accounts for around 25% of the market, driven by strong emphasis on sustainable water management and adherence to EU wastewater directives. Countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands have implemented advanced biological systems to achieve high standards in effluent discharge and water reuse.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific dominates the global market with over 35% share due to rapid urbanization, industrial growth, and increasing awareness about water pollution control. Countries like China and India are making large-scale investments in wastewater infrastructure to meet rising demand from municipal and industrial sectors.

Middle East and Africa

This region holds nearly 5% of the market, with growth fueled by rising water scarcity and a strong push for wastewater reuse in Gulf countries. Government-led initiatives are promoting biological treatment solutions for both urban sanitation and industrial effluent control.

Latin America

Latin America represents around 5% of the market. Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Chile are investing in municipal wastewater projects and industrial treatment facilities to comply with environmental standards and manage urban population growth.