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 chlorine and dissolved oxygen, protecting metal components from corrosion in boilers and cooling systems. Utilized in pharmaceutical formulations to stabilize active ingredients sensitive to oxidation. Also applied in textile processing for bleaching and dyeing operations, and in photography as a developing agent to preserve solutions.