Final answer:
Polyphosphate can revert to orthophosphate due to changes in pH, exposure to high temperatures, and the addition of certain chemicals, all of which can contribute to the breakdown of phosphate bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about the factors that can cause polyphosphate to revert to orthophosphate. The answer is D) all of the above, which includes a. changes in pH, b. high temperatures, and c. the addition of some chemicals. Changes in pH can affect the stability of phosphate compounds, leading to their hydrolysis. High temperatures can provide the energy required for the breakdown of the phosphate bonds in polyphosphate, leading to its reversion to simpler orthophosphate forms. The addition of certain chemicals can also catalyze this process.