Ecotoxicological Studies Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service (Aquatic, Sediment, Terrestrial, Avian, Pollinator), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific), And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030

Report Overview

The global ecotoxicological studies market size was valued at USD 1.05 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.1% from 2023 to 2030. 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 increased the use of disinfectants, which 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 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 were not capable enough of efficiently eliminating these drugs and their metabolites, which was 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.

Service Insights

The aquatic ecotoxicology segment accounted for the largest revenue share of 43.1% in 2022. 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 expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.9% during the forecast period, 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.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the ecotoxicological studiesmarket and accounted for the largest revenue share of 33.7% in 2022. 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.

In April 2023, Eurofins Scientific acquired EAG Laboratories which offers advanced chemical testing services for household chemicals, industrial chemicals, and pesticides. It provides all of the assistance needed for e-fate, residual studies, eco-toxicology, and metabolism for pesticide and chemical regulatory testing in order to meet global registration guidelines. This acquisition enhanced Eurofins' availability of small molecule and biologic testing and identification services to include a wide range of biopharmaceutical clients.

Asia Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 3.9% 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 Asia Pacific.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Companies operating in the market 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.

In January 2023, Smithers acquired ResChem Analytical Limited. The acquisition allowed Smithers to broaden the scope of its global residue-management service, as well as to expand the range of field cooperators to carry out field trials in aid of crop residue operator exposure studies. 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

Ecotoxicological Studies Market Report Scope

Global Ecotoxicological Studies Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and 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

    • Sweden

    • Norway

    • Denmark

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • South Korea

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East & Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • South Africa

    • UAE

    • Kuwait