Used in water treatment to adjust pH and neutralize acidic water, preventing corrosion in pipes and improving efficiency of disinfection processes. Commonly applied in laundry detergents to soften water and enhance cleaning power by helping remove dirt and grease. Employed in the manufacturing of glass, where it lowers the melting point of silica, making production more energy-efficient. Utilized in swimming pools to maintain alkaline conditions and stabilize chlorine effectiveness. Also used in flue gas desulfurization to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions from industrial exhaust streams.