In 2019, demand for municipal and industrial sludge treatment around the world was about $6,440.4 million. By the end of 2026, the market is expected to be worth about $9,493.7 million. This growth rate is about 5.7% between 2020 and 2026.
Municipal and industrial wastewater were pooled and routed to a single drain for treatment throughout the first part of the twentieth century. Human and marine life were exposed to health risks as a result of this procedure, which necessitated the separation of municipal and industrial effluent. Chemical, electric power, food processing, iron and steel, mining, nuclear, automotive, and paper and pulp are just a few of the industries that contribute significantly to wastewater pollution. Every year, for example, 70 million cars are produced worldwide, resulting in about 34 trillion litres of wastewater.
These pollutants can endanger human and marine life if they are released untreated into streams and groundwater. Municipal and industrial wastewater, when properly handled, can be an useful source of energy and nutrients. Sludge from municipal wastewater, for example, can be utilised to extract energy and bio-solids for agricultural purposes, while phosphorus from eutrophication can be used to make fertilisers.
Sludge is the semi solid by-product obtained from the waste water treatment. Sludge produced from the treatment of household and sewage water is considered as municipal sludge. Sludge obtained as by-product from industrial chemicals and waste treatment is known as industrial sludge. Activated sludge is used for the treatment of municipal sewage therefore also known as biosolid as it mainly consists of biological solids. Sludge management is the important part of the wastewater treatment process.
The research includes a market attractiveness analysis, in which product segments are compared to one another in terms of market size, growth rate, and overall attractiveness. Several driving and restraining factors are also examined in the study, as well as their impact on the market during the projection period. The market for municipal and industrial sludge treatment is driven by a growing population, which has led in an increase in the volume of sludge. Furthermore, rising energy costs from traditional sources encourage the usage of biogas, which is projected to stimulate the municipal sewage treatment industry in the near future. Strict rules and policies for sludge operations, on the other hand, may stifle industry expansion.
Treatment of sludge is dependent on the components and source. Stabilization, composting, and anaerobic treatment, as well as activated sludge, dewatering, and thickening, are all options for treating sludge. Stabilization is the process of lowering the sludge’s biological oxygen demand (BOD) through either an aerobic or anaerobic procedure. Composting is the process of aerobic bacteria decomposing sludge and then using it as manure in farming. Anaerobic treatment entails the anaerobic decomposition of sludge and the use of methane as a home fuel generated during the decomposition process. The method of reusing treated sludge for waste water treatment is known as activated sludge. Due to massive waste creation from growing populations, Asia Pacific led the municipal and industrial sludge industry. This, in turn, increased the need of various wastewater treatments. Because of improved waste treatment processes, Europe and North America are projected to see a slower pace of growth.
The leading companies in the municipal and industrial sludge market include Helix environmental Consultancy, Adwest Technologies, Andritz separation, Strabag Umweltanlagen GmbH, Biotain AB, wastewater management system holding sdn.bhd, Alfa LAVAL Cambi AS and ADI SYSTEMS INC
Municipal and industrial wastewaters are treated differently, with preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary, and advanced wastewater treatment options. Screening eliminates solids, while grit removal separates inorganic and heavy materials in the preliminary treatment. Biological treatment is used in secondary wastewater treatment to eliminate biodegradable materials. In comparison to secondary treatment, tertiary treatment is typically employed for higher quality effluent. Sludge from wastewater treatment is known as sewage sludge. Sludge thickening, stabilisation, dewatering, hygienization, and drying are just a few of the methods utilised to treat sewage sludge.
The water content of sludge is lowered by increasing the dry solid content with little energy input in sludge thickening. The goal of stabilisation is to keep chemical and biological reactions to a bare minimum. The dry solid sludge is enhanced utilising various equipment in sludge dewatering. Sludge hygienisation is a technique that reduces the amount of pathogenic bacteria in sludge to a level that authorities tolerate. The manner of sludge disposal affects hygienization.
Countries that invest extensively in wastewater and sludge treatment plants will see rapid growth in their markets. China, Brazil, and a slew of other countries have joined forces with Europe. The biggest investment potential will be in sludge treatment technologies, which includes dewatering, thickening, and stabilisation. The problem of sludge management in industrialised countries has been a primary emphasis area in many developed countries due to the absence of basic sanitation for about 3 billion people. Continuous expansion in the growing economy has improved human health and safety, resulting in an increase in the amount of waste sludge that has to be treated.
The wastewater treatment industry has been forced to implement several novel sludge management strategies as the volume of sludge produced has increased. the sewerage Sludge management costs account for half of the total operating costs of a wastewater treatment facility, therefore improving disposal and sludge treatment can save money. As the world’s population grows, so does the amount of municipal sludge that needs to be treated. Sludge management’s cost-effectiveness aids in expanding the market’s size and potential.
Operators must follow strict environmental policies when treating sludge produced by their current wastewater treatment plant. The factors for increased biogas production in waste treatment plants include rising energy costs from external energy sources and support for renewables. Restriction on the type of surface and crop that can be used with sludge is a constraint.
