Why is sulfuric acid considered harmful to aquatic life when discharged into water bodies?

Sulfuric acid is considered harmful to aquatic life primarily because it is corrosive and can cause significant damage to both the physical structures of living organisms and their physiological processes. When sulfuric acid is discharged into water bodies, it lowers the pH of the water, creating an acidic environment that many aquatic organisms cannot survive. The corrosive nature of sulfuric acid can lead to injuries in fish and other aquatic species, affecting their gills, skin, and overall health. Furthermore, the adverse changes in water chemistry can disrupt the biological balance of the ecosystem, leading to negative effects on biodiversity, reproductive success, and survival rates of sensitive species. Hence, the harmful impact of sulfuric acid on aquatic life stems chiefly from its corrosive properties and the resultant acidic conditions it induces in the aquatic environment.