Detection of Selected Heavy Metal Ions Using Organic Chromofluorescent Chemosensors

Heavy and transition metal (HTM) ions have significant harmful effects on the physical environment and play crucial roles in biological systems; hence, it is crucial to accurately identify and quantify any trace pollution. Molecular sensors which are based on organic molecules employed as optical probes play a crucial role in sensing and detecting toxic metal ions in water, food, air, and biological environments. When appropriate combinations of conduction and selective recognition are combined, fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensors are appealing instruments that enable the selective, sensitive, affordable, portable, and real-time investigation of the possible presence of heavy and transition metal ions. This feature article aims to provide readers with a more thorough understanding of the different methods of synthesis and how they work. As noted in the literature, we will highlight colorimetric and fluorometric sensors based on their receptors into multiple categories for heavy metal ion detection, such as Hg²⁺, Ag²⁺, Cd^2+, Pb²⁺, and In³⁺, and simultaneous multiple-ion detection.