Lesson 16: Invisible Borders: Transboundary Pollution in Europe

Which of these was the main pollutant released by the Chernobyl power plant explosion?

• cyanide

• nitrogen oxide

• nuclear radiation

• sulfur dioxide

The Chernobyl power plant explosion and the Tisza-Danube cyanide spill are both examples of

• water pollution.

• accidental pollution.

• radiation pollution.

• general pollution.

The map below best illustrates which problem?

• water pollution

• transboundary pollution

• toxic-chemical pollution

• general pollution

Which of these is a major cause of acid rain?

• spraying pesticides on crops

• burning fossil fuels for energy

• dumping sewage in river systems

• using uranium to generate electricity

This image shows the effects of pollution in Europe's "Black Triangle." What is the primary cause of this damage?

• nuclear radiation from the region’s power plants

• cyanide leaks from the region’s factories and power plants

• acid rain caused by air pollution from factories and power plants

• accidental pollution from the Chernobyl power plant explosion

Acid rain forms when

• sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides mix with water in the air.

• nuclear radiation contaminates soil and crops.

• cyanide mixes with water in rivers.

• uranium is improperly stored.

What measures are being taken in Europe's "Black Triangle" to reduce acid rain?

• switching to coal as a fuel

• building taller smokestacks

• stopping work on windy days

• installing smokestack scrubbers

How did the accidental spill of cyanide at a mine in Romania spread to neighboring countries?

• Winds blew cyanide to other countries.

• Rivers carried cyanide to other countries.

• Crops poisoned with cyanide were sold in other countries.

• Storms dropped rain poisoned with cyanide on other countries.

The Tisza-Danube cyanide spill is an example of all of the following except

• general pollution.

• accidental pollution.

• point-source pollution.

• transboundary pollution.

What is one way that Europe has addressed the problem of transboundary pollution?

• by declaring war on polluting countries

• by promoting economic growth

• by passing EU environmental legislation

• none of the above