Used as a preservative in food and pharmaceutical industries to prevent oxidation and spoilage by removing dissolved oxygen in aqueous solutions. Commonly applied in wine making to inhibit microbial growth and protect flavor. Employed in water treatment to scavenge chlorine and dechlorinate wastewater. Utilized in the paper and pulp industry during sulfite pulping process to break down lignin in wood. Also serves as a reducing agent in chemical manufacturing, including dyeing and bleaching operations. Found in photographic developing solutions to prevent oxidation of developing agents.