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Report Description

Report Description

Forecast Period

2026-2030

Market Size (2024)

USD 1.14 Billion

Market Size (2030)

USD 1.84 Billion

CAGR (2025-2030)

8.10%

Fastest Growing Segment

201-500 MLD

Largest Market

South India

Market Overview

India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market was valued at USD 1.14 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 1.84 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 8.10% during the forecast period. 

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) is an advanced wastewater treatment process aimed at minimizing waste discharge into the environment. The goal of ZLD systems is to treat industrial wastewater and ensure that no liquid waste is released into the environment. Instead, all wastewater is either treated, purified, or reused within the facility, while solid waste is generated and properly disposed of. ZLD systems typically involve a combination of filtration, reverse osmosis, evaporation, and crystallization techniques.

The process begins with pre-treatment to remove large particles and contaminants from the wastewater, followed by filtration and reverse osmosis to separate impurities. The remaining concentrated liquid is then subjected to thermal processes like evaporation or crystallization, where water is evaporated, and solids are recovered. This ensures that water is purified and reused within the industrial processes, achieving a sustainable approach to wastewater management.

ZLD systems are particularly valuable in industries with high water consumption, such as power generation, textiles, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. They help conserve water, reduce environmental pollution, and comply with stringent regulations. With the growing concerns about water scarcity and environmental impact, ZLD systems are becoming increasingly essential for industries aiming to adopt sustainable and eco-friendly practices.

Key Market Drivers

Growing Water Scarcity and Demand for Water Reuse

India, being a water-scarce country, faces significant challenges in managing its water resources. Rapid industrialization, population growth, and climate change have put immense pressure on freshwater supplies, making water scarcity one of the most pressing issues. According to the United Nations, India is home to 18% of the world’s population but only 4% of global freshwater resources, resulting in severe water shortages in various regions.

Industries, particularly those in sectors like power generation, textiles, chemicals, and food processing, are some of the largest consumers of water. The growing demand for water in these industries, combined with the depletion of freshwater sources, has made water reuse a critical necessity. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems offer a sustainable solution by treating and recycling wastewater, ensuring that all water used in industrial processes is reused, rather than wasted.

ZLD systems enable industries to recover and reuse water within their operations, reducing their dependency on external water sources. This is particularly important in water-scarce regions where sourcing fresh water is becoming increasingly difficult. By minimizing water consumption and discharges, ZLD systems contribute to water conservation and support the overall goal of achieving water sustainability. Moreover, ZLD systems help industries reduce their water treatment costs in the long term. The ability to recycle and reuse water reduces the need for purchasing fresh water or disposing of large volumes of treated wastewater. As water scarcity becomes an even greater concern for businesses and communities, the adoption of ZLD systems will play a pivotal role in addressing both environmental and economic challenges related to water management. India has a total annual renewable water availability of about 1,123 billion cubic meters (BCM). However, the per capita water availability has drastically decreased from around 5,177 cubic meters in 1951 to approximately 1,500 cubic meters in 2020, which is below the water scarcity threshold of 1,700 cubic meters per capita.

Technological Advancements in Wastewater Treatment

Advancements in wastewater treatment technologies have significantly contributed to the growth of the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market in India. Traditional wastewater treatment methods were often inefficient, expensive, and unable to meet the high-quality standards required for complete water reuse. However, over the past decade, there have been substantial improvements in filtration, reverse osmosis, evaporation, and crystallization technologies, all of which are integral to ZLD systems.

One of the most notable technological advancements is the development of more efficient reverse osmosis (RO) membranes, which provide better filtration and higher recovery rates. RO membranes have become a cornerstone of ZLD systems, allowing industries to separate contaminants from wastewater at a microscopic level, thereby producing purified water suitable for reuse. Improvements in membrane technology have increased the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ZLD systems, making them more accessible to a wide range of industries.

Innovations in evaporation and crystallization technologies have made thermal-based ZLD systems more viable. These technologies allow for the recovery of both water and valuable salts from wastewater, ensuring that solid waste is minimized. With advancements in energy efficiency and automation, thermal processes in ZLD systems have become more economical and practical for large-scale industrial applications.

The integration of advanced monitoring and control systems in ZLD plants has led to better process optimization. Real-time data collection, automation, and remote monitoring help industries optimize their wastewater treatment processes, improving performance and reducing operational costs.

As these technological advancements continue to evolve, ZLD systems are becoming more efficient, cost-effective, and suitable for a wider range of industries. This progress not only makes ZLD systems more attractive to businesses but also supports the broader goal of sustainable wastewater management.

Increasing Awareness and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how industries approach environmental sustainability, driven by increasing awareness of environmental issues and the growing importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Companies in India are becoming more conscious of their environmental impact and are adopting sustainable practices to improve their public image, comply with regulations, and meet the expectations of consumers, investors, and stakeholders.

Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems align well with the sustainability goals of industries. By ensuring that no liquid waste is released into the environment, ZLD systems enable businesses to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection. Adopting ZLD technology not only helps reduce pollution but also allows companies to conserve water, a critical resource in India.

Industries are facing growing pressure from investors, consumers, and regulatory bodies to adopt green technologies and sustainable practices. For instance, multinational corporations and global investors are increasingly focusing on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors when making investment decisions. As part of their CSR strategies, companies are investing in ZLD systems to meet these expectations and enhance their sustainability credentials.

The rising awareness of water scarcity, pollution, and climate change has further amplified the demand for ZLD systems. Consumers are now more inclined to support businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices, and companies are responding by integrating ZLD systems into their operations. Additionally, by adopting ZLD technology, industries can reduce their operational costs related to water usage, wastewater treatment, and regulatory compliance, further driving the market for ZLD systems in India.

As CSR continues to be a key driver for industries, the adoption of ZLD systems will likely increase, supporting India's long-term goals of environmental sustainability and water conservation.

 

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Key Market Challenges

High Initial Investment and Operational Costs

One of the primary challenges faced by the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market in India is the high initial investment and ongoing operational costs. Implementing a ZLD system requires a significant capital expenditure for infrastructure, equipment, and technology. These systems consist of complex processes like reverse osmosis, evaporation, crystallization, and filtration, each of which demands specialized machinery, high-end components, and skilled labor. The costs associated with procuring and installing these technologies can be a major barrier, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may not have the financial resources to invest in such advanced systems.

For larger industries, the initial installation costs can run into millions of dollars, making it difficult to justify the investment without a clear return on investment (ROI). While ZLD systems help reduce wastewater disposal costs in the long run and contribute to water reuse, the upfront financial burden remains a significant deterrent for many businesses, especially those operating on tight margins or in water-rich regions where wastewater treatment may not be as critical. In addition to the capital expenditure, operational costs can also be substantial. ZLD systems, particularly those that rely on thermal processes such as evaporation and crystallization, are energy-intensive. The high energy consumption required for the evaporation process increases the operational cost, making these systems expensive to run in energy-sensitive industries. Moreover, the maintenance of these systems requires regular monitoring, upkeep, and the replacement of components like membranes and filters, all of which contribute to the ongoing operational costs.

While there are incentives and subsidies provided by the government for adopting environmentally sustainable technologies, these financial supports may not fully offset the initial costs for many companies. The inability to access affordable financing, coupled with the significant operational expenses, makes it challenging for industries to embrace ZLD systems, particularly in industries with low profit margins or those in the early stages of development.

Technological Complexity and Lack of Skilled Workforce

Another significant challenge facing the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market in India is the technological complexity involved in the installation, operation, and maintenance of these systems. ZLD systems use a combination of filtration, reverse osmosis, thermal evaporation, crystallization, and other advanced technologies to treat wastewater. Each of these technologies requires specialized knowledge and expertise, making the design, implementation, and maintenance of ZLD systems highly complex.

The integration of these advanced processes into a single cohesive system is a challenging task that requires significant technical expertise. Furthermore, industries must select appropriate technologies based on the type and composition of wastewater generated, the water recovery rate required, and energy efficiency considerations. This necessitates a thorough understanding of both the technical aspects and the specific needs of the industrial processes being treated.

In India, there is a shortage of skilled professionals with the necessary expertise in wastewater treatment technologies, including the design and maintenance of ZLD systems. The demand for trained engineers and technicians who can operate and maintain such sophisticated systems exceeds the current supply, leading to a skills gap. Many industries face difficulties in sourcing qualified personnel to manage these systems effectively. This not only increases the risk of system failures and inefficiencies but also raises operational costs, as untrained staff may cause delays or improper handling of the equipment. The maintenance of ZLD systems is highly specialized, requiring consistent monitoring, calibration, and replacement of components such as membranes and filters. A lack of skilled workforce to handle routine maintenance and troubleshooting can lead to extended downtimes, reduced performance, and even failure of the system. With ZLD systems being crucial for industrial compliance and water conservation, the absence of adequately trained personnel increases the risk of non-compliance with environmental regulations and reduces the overall effectiveness of the system.

The technological complexity, combined with the shortage of skilled professionals, makes it difficult for many businesses to adopt and maintain ZLD systems. While the need for water conservation and environmental sustainability is high, the technical challenges prevent seamless implementation of these systems, hindering their widespread adoption across various industries in India.

Key Market Trends

Growing Adoption of Hybrid ZLD Systems

In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend toward the adoption of hybrid Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems in India. Hybrid systems combine multiple technologies, such as reverse osmosis (RO), membrane distillation, evaporation, and crystallization, to optimize the wastewater treatment process. This trend has emerged due to the need for improved efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness in treating different types of industrial wastewater.

Hybrid ZLD systems are particularly beneficial because they integrate both physical and thermal methods to treat wastewater more comprehensively. For example, RO is used for removing dissolved solids and salts from wastewater, while thermal evaporation helps recover water and separate valuable solids. By combining these methods, hybrid systems can cater to a broader range of industrial needs, offering higher water recovery rates and lower energy consumption. This makes hybrid systems more adaptable to industries with varying wastewater characteristics, such as power generation, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

The demand for hybrid ZLD systems has been increasing in industries that require high-quality treated water and those that face fluctuating wastewater streams. Hybrid systems offer the ability to tailor the treatment process to specific waste characteristics, reducing operational costs and improving system performance. As companies seek ways to reduce their water consumption and achieve regulatory compliance, the trend of adopting hybrid ZLD systems is expected to continue growing, providing an efficient and sustainable solution to industrial wastewater management.

Hybrid ZLD systems enable industries to recover valuable by-products from the wastewater treatment process, such as salts, chemicals, or metals, thus creating additional revenue streams. This added benefit further drives the adoption of hybrid systems in the Indian market, especially in sectors where resource recovery is a priority.

Focus on Energy Efficiency and Cost Reduction

Energy efficiency has become a critical consideration in the design and operation of Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems in India. Traditional ZLD systems, particularly those utilizing thermal technologies like evaporation, are known for being energy-intensive, contributing to high operational costs. As industries face rising energy prices and increasing pressure to reduce carbon footprints, there is a growing trend towards developing and adopting more energy-efficient ZLD systems.

Technological advancements are playing a key role in improving the energy efficiency of ZLD systems. For instance, the development of energy recovery devices and the use of low-energy-consuming technologies like membrane distillation and forward osmosis are helping to reduce the energy required for wastewater treatment. These innovations allow industries to achieve higher water recovery rates with less energy consumption, thus lowering the overall cost of operation.

The integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, into ZLD systems is becoming increasingly popular. By harnessing renewable energy, companies can offset the high energy costs associated with operating thermal-based ZLD systems. The use of solar energy in particular aligns with India’s renewable energy targets and sustainability goals, making it a compelling option for industries aiming to reduce their reliance on conventional energy sources.

The emphasis on energy efficiency is not only driven by cost-saving measures but also by regulatory pressures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability. Industries are increasingly aware of the need to optimize energy consumption, and energy-efficient ZLD systems are helping them meet both financial and environmental objectives. As a result, the trend towards energy-efficient ZLD systems is expected to continue growing, with manufacturers focusing on innovative technologies to minimize energy use while maximizing water recovery and treatment efficiency.

Segmental Insights

Technology Insights

The Evaporation/Crystallization held the largest market share in 2024.  Evaporation and Crystallization technologies dominate the India Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market primarily due to their efficiency in handling industrial wastewater, especially in industries that produce high salinity effluent. These thermal-based technologies have been widely adopted because they provide an effective solution for achieving complete ZLD, where no liquid waste is released into the environment.

One of the main reasons for the dominance of Evaporation/Crystallization is their ability to process large volumes of wastewater. These technologies are particularly well-suited for industries such as textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and power generation, which generate wastewater with high total dissolved solids (TDS). In these industries, the effluent needs to be treated in a way that allows for water recovery, while safely disposing of the waste in a solid form. Evaporation involves the use of heat to evaporate water from the wastewater, leaving behind concentrated brine or solid crystals that can be easily handled or disposed of.

Evaporation/Crystallization processes are highly effective in minimizing the volume of wastewater and can handle varying levels of salinity, which makes them more versatile than other treatment methods like Ultrafiltration or Reverse Osmosis. These technologies also benefit from their ability to work with relatively simple operational principles and can be integrated into existing industrial setups without significant disruption.

In India, strict environmental regulations, such as the need for industries to treat and manage wastewater responsibly, further incentivize the adoption of ZLD systems. Given that thermal technologies can recover valuable water for reuse while minimizing waste generation, they are considered the most practical and cost-effective solution. The fact that the recovered water can be reused within the industrial process also reduces overall operational costs, making Evaporation/Crystallization an attractive option for businesses focused on sustainability and compliance with environmental standards.


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Regional Insights

South India held the largest market share in 2024. South India has emerged as a dominant region in the India Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market due to several factors that align with the region's industrial growth, regulatory environment, and environmental concerns. The key drivers behind South India’s dominance in the ZLD market are as follows:

South India is home to a significant number of industries such as textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and power plants, all of which are heavy water users. These industries generate substantial volumes of wastewater, necessitating the adoption of ZLD systems to meet stringent environmental regulations. States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka have a high concentration of such industries, thus driving the demand for ZLD solutions.

The state governments in South India have implemented strict water treatment and discharge norms, urging industries to adopt sustainable wastewater management practices. For instance, Tamil Nadu has imposed regulations on industries to adopt ZLD technology to minimize water pollution and conserve water resources. This regulatory push has forced companies to invest in advanced wastewater treatment technologies like ZLD.

South India is facing recurring water scarcity issues due to unpredictable rainfall patterns, over-extraction of groundwater, and a growing population. With the need to conserve water becoming critical, ZLD systems allow industries to recycle and reuse water, ensuring the sustainability of their operations without depleting local water sources.

South India has seen significant investment in technological advancements in water treatment, with several companies focusing on providing cutting-edge ZLD solutions. This innovation in treatment processes, such as Reverse Osmosis, Ultrafiltration, and Evaporation/Crystallization, has made ZLD systems more accessible and efficient for industries in the region.

Recent Developments

  • In October 2023, Saltworks successfully delivered a comprehensive zero liquid discharge (ZLD) industrial desalination solution to a mining site in the United States. The innovative, modular, and digitized plant allowed the client to quickly install and deploy the automated ZLD system, significantly reducing the need for manual inputs.
  • In June 2024, Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Corporation (Toshiba) showcased its expertise in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), operations and maintenance (O&M) services, and cutting-edge water treatment technologies at the Singapore International Water Week 2024 (SIWW 2024) Water Expo. 
  • In November 2024, Toyobo MC Corporation, a global leader in the Reverse Osmosis (RO) industry, officially entered the Indian market with the launch of its Spiral Wound RO Membranes. This launch was made in partnership with BI Marketing and Services Pvt. Ltd., a prominent player in the water treatment sector under the HECS Group. The event, held at The Hilton Chennai, marked a significant milestone in addressing India's increasing water treatment demands.

Key Market Players

  • Veolia Environnement SA
  • Aquatech International
  • Praj Industries
  • Thermax Limited
  • Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
  • Enviro Solutions Limited
  • Xylem
  • IDE

 

By Technology

By End-Use Industry

By Plant Category

By Region

  • Ultrafiltration
  • Reverse Osmosis
  • Evaporation/Crystallization
  • Fractional Electrode ionization
  • Chemicals & Petrochemicals
  • Food & Beverages
  • Energy & Power
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Others
  • Less Than 100 MLD
  • 101 - 200 MLD
  • 201-500 MLD
  • Above 501MLD
  • South India
  • North India
  • West India
  • East India

 

Report Scope:

In this report, the India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

  • India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market, By Technology:

o   Ultrafiltration

o   Reverse Osmosis

o   Evaporation/Crystallization

o   Fractional Electrode ionization

  • India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market, By End-Use Industry:

o   Chemicals & Petrochemicals

o   Food & Beverages

o   Energy & Power

o   Pharmaceuticals

o   Others  

  • India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market, By Plant Category:

o   Less Than 100 MLD

o   101 - 200 MLD

o   201-500 MLD

o   Above 501MLD

  • India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market, By Region:

o   South India

o   North India

o   West India

o   East India   

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market.

Available Customizations:

India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market report with the given market data, Tech Sci Research offers customizations according to a company's specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

  • Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market is an upcoming report to be released soon. If you wish an early delivery of this report or want to confirm the date of release, please contact us at [email protected]

Table of content

Table of content

1.    Product Overview

1.1.  Market Definition

1.2.  Scope of the Market

1.2.1.    Markets Covered

1.2.2.    Years Considered for Study

1.3.  Key Market Segmentations

2.    Research Methodology

2.1.  Objective of the Study

2.2.  Baseline Methodology

2.3.  Formulation of the Scope

2.4.  Assumptions and Limitations

2.5.  Sources of Research

2.5.1.    Secondary Research

2.5.2.    Primary Research

2.6.  Approach for the Market Study

2.6.1.    The Bottom-Up Approach

2.6.2.    The Top-Down Approach

2.7.  Methodology Followed for Calculation of Market Size & Market Shares

2.8.  Forecasting Methodology

2.8.1.    Data Triangulation & Validation

3.    Executive Summary

4.    Voice of Customer

5.    India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market Outlook

5.1.  Market Size & Forecast

5.1.1.    By Value

5.2.  Market Share & Forecast

5.2.1.    By Technology (Ultrafiltration, Reverse Osmosis, Evaporation/Crystallization, Fractional Electrode ionization)

5.2.2.    By End-Use Industry (Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Pharmaceuticals, Others)

5.2.3.    By Plant Category (Less Than 100 MLD, 101 - 200 MLD, 201-500 MLD & Above 501MLD)

5.2.4.    By Region (South India, North India, West India, East India)

5.2.5.    By Company (2024)

5.3.  Market Map

6.    South India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market Outlook

6.1.  Market Size & Forecast

6.1.1.    By Value

6.2.  Market Share & Forecast

6.2.1.    By Technology

6.2.2.    By End-Use Industry

6.2.3.    By Plant Category

7.    North India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market Outlook

7.1.  Market Size & Forecast

7.1.1.    By Value

7.2.  Market Share & Forecast

7.2.1.    By Technology

7.2.2.    By End-Use Industry

7.2.3.    By Plant Category

8.    West India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market Outlook

8.1.  Market Size & Forecast

8.1.1.    By Value

8.2.  Market Share & Forecast

8.2.1.    By Technology

8.2.2.    By End-Use Industry

8.2.3.    By Plant Category

9.    East India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market Outlook

9.1.  Market Size & Forecast

9.1.1.    By Value

9.2.  Market Share & Forecast

9.2.1.    By Technology

9.2.2.    By End-Use Industry

9.2.3.    By Plant Category

10.  Market Dynamics

10.1.   Drivers

10.2.   Challenges

11.  Market Trends & Developments

12.  India Economic Profile

13.  Company Profiles

13.1.  Veolia Environnement SA

13.1.1. Business Overview

13.1.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.1.3.  Recent Developments

13.1.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.1.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

13.2.  Aquatech International

13.2.1. Business Overview

13.2.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.2.3.  Recent Developments

13.2.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.2.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

13.3.  Praj Industries

13.3.1. Business Overview

13.3.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.3.3.  Recent Developments

13.3.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.3.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

13.4.  Thermax Limited

13.4.1. Business Overview

13.4.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.4.3.  Recent Developments

13.4.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.4.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

13.5.  Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation

13.5.1. Business Overview

13.5.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.5.3.  Recent Developments

13.5.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.5.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

13.6.  Enviro Solutions Limited

13.6.1. Business Overview

13.6.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.6.3.  Recent Developments

13.6.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.6.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

13.7.  Xylem

13.7.1. Business Overview

13.7.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.7.3.  Recent Developments

13.7.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.7.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

13.8.  IDE

13.8.1. Business Overview

13.8.2.  Key Revenue and Financials 

13.8.3.  Recent Developments

13.8.4.  Key Personnel/Key Contact Person

13.8.5.  Key Product/Services Offered

14. Strategic Recommendations

15.  About Us & Disclaimer 

Figures and Tables

Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

The market size of the India Zero Liquid Discharge Systems Market was USD 1.14 Billion in 2024.

In 2024, Energy & Power sector dominated the India Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market due to its high water consumption and stringent environmental regulations. ZLD systems are essential for treating wastewater, reducing water usage, and minimizing environmental impact, making them crucial for power plants to ensure sustainability and compliance.

The major challenges for the India Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market include high capital and operational costs, energy consumption, complexity in handling highly concentrated waste, and lack of skilled personnel. Additionally, regulatory inconsistencies and the need for continuous maintenance hinder widespread adoption, limiting market growth

Major drivers for the India Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) systems market include stringent environmental regulations, growing water scarcity, industrial wastewater treatment requirements, and the need for sustainable water management. Additionally, increasing demand for water reuse in industries like textiles, chemicals, and energy further boosts market growth.

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