Used in water treatment to control hardness and prevent scale formation in boilers and cooling systems. Acts as a buffering agent in laboratory applications to maintain stable pH in solutions. Commonly employed in food processing as an emulsifier and thickening agent, especially in processed cheeses and canned products. Utilized in pharmaceuticals as a laxative for bowel preparation before medical procedures. Also serves as a corrosion inhibitor in industrial cleaning formulations and enhances the cleaning efficiency of detergents by softening water.