Sodium Bisulfite

Sodium Bisulfite , or NaHSO3,is a chemical sanitizer, preservative and water dechlorinator.
For these applications, sodium bisulfite is interchangeable with another bisulfite i.e, Sodium Metabisulfite. Sodium bisulfite is available in a granulated form that resembles table salt. Combining sodium bisulfite with water produces sulfur dioxide gas, which kills unwanted microorganisms. Sodium bisulfite chemical also prevents oxidation and as so, acts as a preservative.

Sodium bisulfite chemical is a common reducing agent in the chemical industries. In biochemical engineering applications, it is helpful to maintain anaerobic conditions within a reactor.
The rubber industry uses sodium bisulfite as a coagulative agent. Additionally, the dye industry uses sodium bisulfite as a dechlorination agent and cotton boiling agent for bleached cotton.

Further, the leather industry uses sodium bisulfite chemical to make finished leather products more wearable, waterproof and longer lasting. In addition to its use as a food preservative, the food industry also uses sodium bisulfite as a bleaching agent. Additionally, metal workers use sodium bisulfite to finish metals.

Sodium bisulfite is available in wine-making stores to sterilize and preserve homemade wine. A small amount added to the pressed juice will kill any alcohol-resistant mold that is on the fruit. It is used in almost all commercial wines, to prevent oxidation and preserve flavor. In fruit canning, sodium bisulfite is used to prevent browning (caused by oxidation) and to kill microbes.

Sodium Bisulfite is used to preserve color and inhibit bacterial growth on fruits and vegetables, some seafood and in wine.
It can preserve many of the qualities of fruits and vegetables, including the color, taste and nutritional value. It is a common ingredient used in the canning process; the sodium bisulfite protects the fruits and vegetables from oxidizing and changing color.
It is also present in wines and beers, as it is used as both a sterilizer and an antioxidant in the process of brewing beer or fermenting wine. The chemical is also used in the process of purifying water, cleaning water pipes and reverse osmosis membranes in desalinization equipment as it is an antibacterial.

Sodium Bisulfite's acidic and preservative properties also make it an effective substitute for Sodium Metabisulfite, a chemical which is used in traditional darkroom photography. Also, sodium Bisulfite is used as a bleaching agent in pulp and textile manufacture, as well as a reducing agent in pharmaceuticals. It is also a known preservative in cosmetics.

Manufacturers use sodium bisulfite in foods, cleaning products and pharmaceutical research. Common uses for sodium bisulfite include food preservation and cleansing to sanitize equipment and kill mold, bacteria and germs.

Small water treatment plants use sodium bisulfite to remove chlorine from the waste-water discharged back into lakes and rivers.