SUITABLE PLANT SPECIES TO MEET THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF THE PIRAEUS PASSENGER PORT

The Port of Piraeus links mainland Hellas with the Aegean islands and Crete and constitutes the main gate of the European Union in the southeast. It is divided in two main sections the passenger and commercial port. In addition to usual urban environmental conditions caused by air pollution and urban structure, the planting surrounding the Piraeus Port is exposed to the effects of frequent heavy transport of large vehicles, containers and cargo, sea winds and in places sea waves. The overall planting surrounding the passenger port was assessed and the performance of the plant species investigated. Soil analysis in problematic areas showed increased levels of soil salinity. Suitable plant species to meet the environmental conditions of the Passenger and Cruise Terminals of the Port are identified.