pH Sensors: The Tool that’s Vital to a Functioning Society

Small but mighty, pH sensors are integral in ensuring the wellbeing of society. They’re used to measure the alkalinity and acidity in water and other solutions, and play a key role in ensuring the safety and quality of a product. Naturally, they’re in high demand, and this trend will only continue: BCC Research expects the global market for pH sensors to reach heights of $5.2 billion in 2027, up from $3.9 billion in 2022.

Without pH sensors, our food and drinking water may be compromised, our products of lesser quality, and manufacturing hugely impacted. They’re vitally important, and with sustained growth on the cards, it’s time to dive into the main reasons they’re witnessing increased demand.

Climate change is impacting our water networks

Global warming is set to impact every aspect of our society – from our weather to our housing, to our energy systems and education, no area will go untouched. Unsurprisingly, global water supply will be profoundly altered by climate change, which is expected to drive the market for pH sensors in the future.

Scientists expect droughts to increase in both frequency and severity in a post-climate change world. Fresh water will be in finite supply, prompting governments to explore last-resort options like water desalination. Currently, National Geographic estimates that only 2.5% of the water on earth is drinkable – and climate change is set to impact this figure further.

In response to the imminent water crisis, governments are scrambling to develop wastewater treatment technologies. With many countries using more water than is readily available to them, the processing and treatment of discharged wastewater is becoming increasingly necessary.

Governments and regulatory authorities must make impactful initiatives regarding water and wastewater treatment technologies quickly. If those responsible fail to act, the consequences could be severe. The Guardian newspaper recently reported quoted the French scientific research center CNRS, which attributed the country’s summer drought to “anthropogenic climate change”, with the recent winter’s drought showing “the same characteristics”.

The climate situation is reaching critical levels, with technologies that may alleviate the looming crisis in increasing demand. These factors are driving the market for pH sensors in the coming years.

Population increase is driving demand

Another factor – one that is inextricably linked to the onset of climate change – that is driving the need for pH sensors is the ever-climbing population. Standing now at roughly 8 billion people, the population is expected to swell over the coming decades. By 2050, the UN expects a global population of around 9.2 billion, which is piling greater pressure on an already tight water supply. The framework to support this growth is simply not in place. Water mains and sewer systems require a major overhaul to meet the current and future needs of the population.

Globally, around 8% of water is used by households, 70% by agribusiness, and 22% industrially. Regionally, uses differ; In developed nations, approximately half the water is reserved for industrial uses, while in developing nations, farming accounts for around 80%. The growing population is creating a high demand for food, which is in turn driving demand for irrigation for agricultural purposes. But most revenues for pH testing equipment stem primarily from the industrial and domestic sectors, rather than agriculture.

Technical challenges with pH sensors

While pH sensors are useful contraptions, they aren’t without their faults. These flurry of factors may put the brakes on market growth in the future, with the main difficulties being:

Sensor drift: One of the main technical faults with pH sensors is that they can drift over time, causing inaccurate measurements. This can be caused by temperature changes, aging of the sensor and exposure to harsh chemical environments.
Interference: Other ions or compounds present in the measurement solution can interfere with the accuracy of the pH sensor.
Cost: pH sensors can be relatively expensive, which can be a barrier for some applications.
Maintenance: pH sensors require regular calibration and maintenance to ensure accurate measurements.
Durability: most pH sensors have a limited life span and must be replaced after a certain period of time.
Selectivity: pH sensors are not specific to hydrogen ions, but are responsive to other ions, as well.
Temperature compensation: pH measurements are dependent on temperature and must be compensated accordingly.

Gain access to trusted market research

BCC Research’s latest report on the global market for pH sensors breaks down the data across various touchpoints, including product type, region, end-use industry, and more. We analyze the characteristics of this in-demand industry, helping players to achieve market clarity and achieve lasting success.

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