Used as a preservative in food and beverages 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 chlorine and dissolve oxygen, helping prevent corrosion in pipelines and boilers. Utilized in the paper and pulp industry during the sulfite pulping process to break down lignin in wood. Serves as a reducing agent in chemical manufacturing and photographic processing. Also found in some pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize active ingredients against degradation by oxygen.