Dibromoacetic acid is primarily used in research and industrial applications, particularly in the study of disinfection by-products in water treatment processes. It serves as a model compound to understand the formation and behavior of haloacetic acids, which are common by-products of chlorination. Additionally, it is utilized in organic synthesis to introduce bromine atoms into target molecules, aiding in the development of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. Its role in toxicological studies is also significant, as it helps assess the health risks associated with exposure to brominated compounds.