In the present study, the levels of NO x , primary and secondary formed particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) originating from the intensive commercial and industrial activities within the port zone of Ancona (Italy) were analysed. The data have been evaluated, calculating by a Weibull distribution approach, the hourly, or using a recoded time, statistics of the pollutants concentrations and meteorological parameters measured in an area situated in a zone of influence of the harbour area. This gave the opportunity to study the dependence of the processes on the local scale as well as the impact of the harbour area on the urban scale. The highest concentrations of PM generally occurred in the harbour area whereas the NO 2 was found to be higher in the urban area. The pollutant transport from the harbour and related to the local dispersive ventilation capacity can become important in episodic situations even in the facing urbanised area.