Used in water treatment to adjust pH and neutralize acidic water, preventing corrosion in pipes and improving efficiency of disinfection processes. Commonly applied in laundry detergents to soften water and enhance cleaning power by helping soap dissolve minerals. Employed in the manufacturing of glass, where it lowers the melting point of silica, making production more energy-efficient. Utilized in swimming pools to maintain alkalinity and stabilize chlorine effectiveness. Also used in flue gas desulfurization to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust emissions in power plants. In food processing, it serves as an acidity regulator and processing aid, especially in the production of cocoa and certain beverages.