Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid trisodium salt trihydrate is primarily used as a chelating agent that effectively binds metal ions, including heavy metals, to prevent undesirable reactions in various industries. In the food industry, it preserves color and flavor by stabilizing products against oxidation. In cosmetics, it enhances product stability and safety by sequestering trace metals. In medicine, it is utilized in chelation therapy to remove heavy metals from the body. In water treatment, it plays a crucial role in softening water by binding calcium and magnesium ions. In cleaning and detergents, it aids in removing limescale, rust, and mineral deposits. In laboratory settings, it maintains the integrity of cell cultures by inhibiting metal-catalyzed degradation and serves as a component in buffers for chemical analyses.