The global market for environmental sensing and monitoring technologies is projected to reach US$17.4 billion by 2020, driven by the need to curb environment pollution and legislation of stringent regulations, according to research by market research firm Global Industry Analysts.
Explosive population growth, rapid industrialization, and agricultural developments have contributed significantly to the deterioration of air, water, and soil quality levels over the decades, thereby affecting biological life and ecosystem. With several governments playing an active role in funding and encouraging environmental monitoring programs, growth in the global market is expected to remain buoyant, according to Environmental Sensing and Monitoring Technologies Market Report.
The surging need to monitor emissions continues to fuel the need to develop more sensitive and cost-effective environmental sensors. Nanotechnology and micro-electromechanical technology led improvements in sensor development, design, and production, is expected to benefit the market. Nanotechnology enables sensors to be selective in the detection of multiple analytes and monitoring their presence in real time. Current research in the nano space is focused on design and integration of organic, inorganic, and hybrid materials, development of biomimetic materials, synthesis of nano-and mesoscopic materials, studying the sensing properties of reactive materials and the study of supramolecular materials, the report says.
Wireless sensor networks are increasingly being designed for use in a broad spectrum of applications, including in detecting environmental contaminants, precision agriculture, logistics management, inventory systems and habitant monitoring among others. The WSN technology facilitates in monitoring and managing huge set of environmental data, including atmospheric, climatic, soil and plant parameters influencing cropland growing environments, the report says.
The United States represents the largest market worldwide. Strong growth is expected from developing markets including Asia Pacific driven by large-scale industrialization and changing international environmental policies and the increased need to comply with various environmental safety regulations, the report says.
A GIA report released in April last year said that the world market for biogas plants is projected to reach $8.9 billion by 2017.
