The global ecotoxicological studies market size was valued at USD 1,014.5 million in 2021 and is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.6% during the forecast period. Increasing focus on regulation, safety, and quality, innovations in the pharmaceutical industry, and the entry of new players into the industry are major factors responsible for the lucrative growth of the market. In addition, the stringent regulatory scenarios in developed countries such as the U.S. and Germany are expected to further boost market growth during the assessment period.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant global population used non-biodegradable masks made up of propylene to protect against the virus. These non-biodegradable masks made of nanofibers had a negative impact on soil species, particularly the springtail and the earthworm. The mask's nanofiber inhibits springtail reproduction and growth, decreases intracellular esterase activity in earthworm coelomocytes, and inhibits spermatogenesis in male earthworms. Such actions of non-biodegradable masks are likely to improve the demand for ecotoxicological studies post-pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the use of disinfectants, in order to reduce the spread of the virus. For instance, research by ACS publication states that during the pandemic, the use of disinfectants increased significantly. The increase in the use of these disinfectants and their subsequent discharge into wastewater is expected to have an adverse effect on aquatic ecosystems, and contaminate the food chain. The growing cases of COVID-19 in 2022 are expected to increase the use of disinfectants, which will subsequently drive the demand for ecotoxicological studies in the future.
With drugs being released into the natural environment, the U.S. and European economies are taking the lead and have designed regulatory procedures that have made Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) a crucial registration requirement. Since 2006, ERA has been mandatory for all novel Marketing Authorization Applications (MAA) for medical products, including generics.
It is mandatory for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies to conduct an ecotoxicological risk assessment to evaluate how their products will affect the ecosystem and to monitor and reduce the consequences of pollution. As an obligatory requirement, it is crucial to ensure that pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies conduct assessments effectively.
Ecotoxicological data is an essential requirement for registration submissions in various industries, including industrial chemicals and agrochemicals. They form the basis of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)/ERA for both veterinary and human pharmaceuticals.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the usage of antiviral drugs such as ribavirin, favipiravir, lopinavir, and remdesivir, among others. A study published by NCBI in 2021 reported that wastewater treatment plants are not capable enough of efficiently eliminating these drugs and their metabolites, which is harming aquatic animals. The increasing number of COVID-19 cases in 2022 is anticipated to drive the usage of antiviral medications and further pollute water bodies, which is anticipated to increase demand for ecological studies in the years to come.
The aquatic ecotoxicology segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 43.6% in 2021. With the increasing number of pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, the threat to water ecosystems is also increasing, which, in turn, can disturb multiple food chains and ecosystems. Hence, a large number of aquatic ecotoxicology studies are being performed, which contributes to the segment growth. Furthermore, major regulatory bodies across the globe mandate evidence of the potential hazard of chemicals to aquatic organisms and ecosystems. This is expected to further promote segment growth.
The sediment ecotoxicology segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period in the ecotoxicological studies market, as sediment ecotoxicology studies are conducted on a large scale by pharmaceutical companies. Sediments play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems as they serve as a source and sink for inorganic and organic materials. Sediment toxicity tests and bioassays are vital tools for regulatory bodies as well as scientists researching the bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and toxicity of chemicals to organisms. These factors are supporting the segment growth.
Europe accounted for the largest revenue share of 33.8% in 2021. Favorable government support and the presence of various regulatory bodies, such as the European Chemical Agency (ECHA); Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH); and the European Centre for Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals (ECETOC) Polymers Task Force, are factors likely to drive the market during the projected period. In addition, the growing presence of players offering these services is expected to further contribute to market growth.
Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market at 4.5% CAGR during the forecast period, owing to growth opportunities in multiple countries, especially Japan, China, and India. Factors such as improved regulatory frameworks, the high scope for cost savings, and a growing number of pharmaceutical companies in the region are further expected to drive the regional market.
The rapid urbanization, high population density, and industrialization in the region, especially in Southeast Asia, are increasing the presence of chemical contaminants in water, air, soil, and sediments. This is expected to create market opportunities for companies in the Asia-Pacific region.
Companies are adopting partnerships, acquisitions, and expansions as key strategies to sustain in the highly competitive environment and acquire a greater market share. For instance, in February 2021, SGS SA expanded its partnership with RLP AgroScience; through this partnership, SGS and RLP AgroScience will enable the provision of more sophisticated, specifically tailored experimental designs for environmental and human safety evaluations of chemicals, pesticides, human/veterinary medications, and biocides.
Similarly, in December 2021, Aragen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd. acquired INTOX PVT. LTD., which is a provider of testing services. This acquisition was intended by Aragen to expand its geographic footprint in India by providing testing services. Some of the prominent players in the global ecotoxicological studies market include:
Smithers
SGS SA
Covance, Inc. (Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings)
INTOX PVT. LTD. (Aragen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.)
Fera Science Limited
Charles River Laboratories, Inc.
Noack Laboratorien GmbH
Eurofins Agroscience Services Group
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market Size value in 2022 |
USD 1,050.4 million |
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 1.3 billion |
Growth Rate |
CAGR 3.6% from 2022 to 2030 |
Base year for estimation |
2021 |
Historical data |
2018 - 2020 |
Forecast period |
2022 - 2030 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD Million and CAGR from 2022 to 2030 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Service, region |
Regional scope |
North America; Europe; Asia Pacific; Latin America; Middle East & Africa |
Country scope |
U.S.; Canada; U.K.; Germany; France; Italy; Spain; China; India; Japan; Australia; South Korea; Brazil; Mexico; Argentina; South Africa; Saudi Arabia; UAE |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company share, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Key companies profiled |
Smithers; SGS SA; Covance, Inc. (Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings); INTOX PVT. LTD. (Aragen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.); Fera Science Limited; Charles River Laboratories Inc.; Noack Laboratorien GmbH; Eurofins Agroscience Services Group |
15% free customization scope (equivalent to 5 analyst working days) |
If you need specific market information, which is not currently within the scope of the report, we will provide it to you as a part of customization. |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global ecotoxicological studies market report on the basis of service and region:
Service Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Sediment Ecotoxicology
Terrestrial Ecotoxicology
Avian Ecotoxicology
Pollinator Testing
Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
U.K.
Germany
France
Italy
Spain
Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
South Korea
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Middle East & Africa
South Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
b. The global ecotoxicological studies market size was estimated at USD 1,041.5 million in 2021 and is expected to reach USD 1,050.4 million in 2022.
b. The global ecotoxicological studies market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.6% from 2022 to 2030 to reach USD 1.3 billion by 2030.
b. Europe dominated the ecotoxicological studies market with a share of 33.8% in 2021. This is attributable to stringent regulatory requirements coupled with the entry of new players in the industry.
b. Some key players operating in the ecotoxicological studies market include Smithers; SGS SA; Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings; INTOX Pvt. Ltd (Aragen Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd.); Fera Science Limited; Charles River Laboratories; Noack Laboratorien GmbH; and Eurofins Agro science Services Group.
b. Key factors that are driving the ecotoxicological studies market growth include increasing focus on regulation, safety & quality, innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, and entry of new players in the market.
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