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The elemental composition of PM10 aerosols in the vicinity of the open-air bulk terminal in the Port of Koper, Slovenia, was determined. Using a combination of short but intense and longer but relatively simple set-up of sampling points and sampling periods, we studied elemental concentrations ranging from S to Br and Pb due to the presence of the terminal and related activities. We observed a decrease in concentrations with respect to the distance from the source and a long-term correlation of different elemental concentrations detected during the non-stop 2-year sampling period. Two types of filters, Nuclepore and quartz fibre, were used for sampling as being most appropriate for different aims of the project. The filters were irradiated with 2 MeV protons at the PIXE beamline of the Microanalytical Centre at Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI). The elemental concentrations were obtained by analysing the recorded x-ray spectra with the GUPIX code. We found a strong correlation between iron ore transfer and Fe concentration in PM10.

Service quality and appropriate environmental management in the Port of Koper are a constant concern for the administration. The port is located at the northern and eastern borders of the town of Koper, therefore, the administration has always paid careful attention to limiting and controlling its potentially negative environmental impacts. All its spatial interventions have therefore been subject to thorough spatial and environmental assessment. The withdrawal of some potentially inappropriate projects in the history of the Port was an obvious result of detailed assessments. During the preparation of the development and spatial plans, significant corrections and moderating measures were introduced in the majority of the proposed projects due to the port's location close to the urban environment. Permanent environmental monitoring of noise, air and water in the Bay of Koper was also introduced during the investments of the past twenty years, which made auditing of the Port's impacts on the environment possible.

Ports represent the starting and ending point of maritime transport. Representing the meeting points of cargo exchange between maritime and other means of transport, they are an indispensable part of transport-logistic chain. Port also have an important role in development of the surrounding/hosting area from economic, social and environmental aspect. In order to operate successfully, a port must work and act in accordance with sustainability – environmentally, economically and socially responsible. The article presents a case study of sustainable coexistence between an economic subject – cargo port and its natural and social surrounding. Examples of port process and operations improvements in light of sustainable development and harmony with local community will be presented.Keywords: port system, local community, sustainable development

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