Used as a preservative in food and beverage industries to prevent oxidation and maintain freshness, especially in wines and dried fruits. Acts as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent. Commonly employed in water treatment to remove residual chlorine and oxygen in boiler feedwater, preventing corrosion. Utilized in pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize active ingredients sensitive to oxidation. Also applied in textile processing for bleaching and dyeing operations, and in photographic developing solutions to preserve developing agents.