What process applies pressure to a concentrated solution causing the passage of liquid across a semipermeable membrane?

The process that applies pressure to a concentrated solution, resulting in the movement of liquid across a semipermeable membrane, is known as reverse osmosis. In reverse osmosis, a semipermeable membrane separates two solutions with different concentrations. When sufficient pressure is applied to the concentrated side, it forces water molecules to pass through the membrane to the less concentrated side. This process effectively removes impurities, salts, and other contaminants from the water, making it suitable for various applications, including drinking water purification and wastewater treatment.

Reverse osmosis is distinct from filtration, which typically relies on the physical removal of particles without the application of pressure. Distillation involves the heating of a liquid to create vapor, which is then condensed back into liquid form, separating components based on their boiling points, rather than relying on a semipermeable barrier and pressure. Adsorption involves the attachment of molecules to a solid surface, which does not function through the selective permeability of a membrane under pressure conditions. Thus, reverse osmosis specifically encapsulates the process described in the question.