The 10% sodium disulfite solution (sodium metabisulfite) is characterized by its reducing and antioxidant properties.

In the field of water and wastewater treatment, the solution is used to remove heavy metals by reduction and precipitation, and to neutralize chlorine residues. Furthermore, it serves as an oxygen remover in boiler water treatment to prevent corrosion.

In the food industry, the product acts as a preservative and antioxidant by slowing down the oxidation of food, thus increasing its shelf life. In addition, sodium disulfite acts as a reducing agent in the photography and textile industries to reduce undesirable colors and oxidation products.

Although sodium disulfite is rarely used in histology, it can be used as a reducing agent in some specific cases to reduce certain reagents or remove excess oxidants. However, since sodium disulfite is not a common reagent in histology, applications in this field are rare.