What is one potential consequence of a fuel tank leak?

The potential consequence of a fuel tank leak that stands out is the contamination of groundwater. When a fuel tank leaks, the leaked fuel can seep into the surrounding soil and eventually reach underground water sources. This contamination poses serious risks to both human health and the environment. Groundwater is often a source of drinking water, and pollutants from leaked fuel can lead to harmful health effects for individuals consuming contaminated water. Additionally, this contamination can cause negative impacts on ecosystems, harming aquatic life and biodiversity.

In contrast, the other options offered do not represent realistic outcomes of a fuel tank leak. Increased fuel efficiency, for example, is unrelated, as leaks typically result in the opposite effect, wasting fuel instead. Higher environmental safety cannot occur as a result of a leak; rather, it is a detrimental event that compromises safety. Lastly, lower maintenance costs are not relevant in this context because leaks usually lead to more maintenance and remediation efforts to address the environmental impact and repair any damages caused by the leak.