Tributyltin (TBT) is used as an additive in antifouling paints by the shipping industry to avoid micro-organism growth on the submerged surface of ships. The economic benefit of a reduced fuel consumption is, however, set off by the widespread phenomenon of intersex and imposex of snails caused by organotin compounds, especially TBT. As a result of their hormone-like activity, organotin compounds belong to the most toxic substances for aquatic organisms and humans alike which have ever been released into the environment. Moreover, there is still a lack of knowledge concerning the environmental behaviour of these substances. Organotin compounds, especially TBT, have been ubiquitously distributed in the marine environment. TBT has endocrine properties, but also produces other unknown antibiotic activities. TBT and other butyltin compounds are persistent, bioaccumulating in the marine environment and embedded in fish. The effect on human health of consuming contaminated fish over a period of time is still mostly unknown. TBT is mentioned as priority hazardous substance in the Water Framework Directive (WFD). To ensure the depth of rivers and navigation channels for harbour access, enormous amounts of TBT-contaminated sediments have to be dredged in the most important harbours in Europe, e.g. Rotterdam, and cannot be relocated to the sea. The contamination levels strongly depend on the origin of the sediments. Moreover, simple and cost-effective detoxification techniques are missing, that could relieve the environment. Even if the use of TBT-containing antifouling paints has been banned since 2003, the problem of sediment contamination still remains and endangers the quality of water.