What potential impact could gasoline reaching nearby surface water have?

Gasoline reaching nearby surface water poses a significant risk to the aquatic ecosystem due to its chemical composition and properties. Gasoline is composed of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic substances that can harm aquatic life. When gasoline contaminates surface water, it can lead to a range of detrimental effects, including:

1. Toxicity to aquatic organisms: Gasoline is harmful to fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to health issues, mortality, and disruption of reproductive processes.

2. Disruption of food chains: The introduction of toxic substances can affect not only the target species but also the predators that feed on them, causing a ripple effect throughout the food web.

3. Alteration of water quality: Gasoline can affect the chemical and physical properties of water, reducing oxygen levels and increasing the presence of harmful substances, which can result in adverse conditions for all aquatic life.

These reasons illustrate why the impact of gasoline on surface water is severe and can threaten the health of the entire aquatic ecosystem, making it the most appropriate answer to the question.