How did the old gasoline storage tanks at gas stations contribute to water pollution?

Old gasoline storage tanks at gas stations often leaked hazardous substances into the surrounding soil and groundwater due to corrosion and structural failures. These leaks could release toxic compounds such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, which are harmful to both human health and aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the lack of modern containment measures and monitoring systems exacerbated the problem, allowing pollutants to spread and contaminate nearby water sources. This contamination poses long-term environmental risks and complicates remediation efforts.