What is the process of reverse osmosis primarily used for?

The process of reverse osmosis is primarily used for the separation of water from dissolved solutes by applying pressure to overcome osmotic pressure. This process facilitates the movement of solvent molecules, such as water, from a dilute solution into a concentrated solution through a semi-permeable membrane. By applying external pressure, the natural osmotic flow is reversed, allowing for the effective removal of various contaminants, including salts, impurities, and other dissolved substances.

In contrast, other processes described in the options have distinct purposes. The mechanical process for removing floating materials refers to physical filtration systems that do not involve chemical or membrane processes. Biological treatments like aeration in wastewater management focus on microbial processes rather than the membrane filtration mechanisms used in reverse osmosis. Similarly, the stabilization of organic waste using plants and microorganisms describes a different type of environmental management approach, which contrasts with the separation and purification intent of reverse osmosis. Thus, the core functionality of reverse osmosis lies in its ability to use gradient pressure to achieve solute separation through a membrane, marking it as a significant technique in water purification and desalination applications.