Collection and analysis of particulate matter deposition around the Port of Koper

Particulates are tiny particles of solid or liquid suspended in a gas. Sources of particulate matter can be anthropogenic or natural. Increased levels of fine particles in the air are linked to health hazards such as heart disease, altered lung function and lung cancer. Human activities, such as burning of fossil fuels in vehicles, power plants and various industrial processes also generate significant amounts of particulates. Results of epidemiological studies show an influence of polluted air on health status of inhabitants of Municipality of Koper. There are many different sources of air pollution in the region, mainly warehouse of petroleum products, chemical industry, waste incinerator, ironworks, Port of Koper, traffic pollution, elevated ground-level ozone in summer months, etc. The degree of each pollutant on total air pollution and health risk is difficult to establish. For this reason, a study was conducted in an effort to determine the extent of dust emissions from iron and coal ore manipulation at the Port of Koper on total particulate matter deposition in the surrounding area. The results indicate that the Port of Koper has a partial impact on total dust emissions. During the sampling period from October 2005 to October 2006, the total amount of particulate matter deposition at all sampling sites in the area of the municipality of Ankaran and surroundings exceeded nine times the emission limit value of 350 mg/m2 a day. The highest monthly values were measured in the period from 15. 9. 2006 to 15. 10. 2006. During this period, the monthly emission limit value was exceeded at nearly all of the sampling sites. A similar increase of particulate matter deposition values was seen also in the period from 15. 2. 2006 to 15. 3. 2006 and in the period from 15. 6. 2006 to 15. 7. 2006. New strategies with which the emissions of dust at Port of Koper will be reduced should be considered.