Fluorescent Sensor Array Based on Black Plum Peels-Derived Carbon Dots for Multiplex Heavy Metal Ions Identification

Accurate discrimination of multiple heavy metal ions is essential for environmental monitoring. This study developed a simple fluorescent sensing array utilizing carbon dots derived from black plum peels (PCDs) for the precise identification of metal ions in environmental waters. Three structurally distinct PCDs were hydrothermally synthesized using phenylenediamine isomers as nitrogen dopants, exhibiting distinct fluorescence response patterns to target ions. Pattern recognition was performed using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). The optimized system (pH 5–7) achieved high discrimination accuracy for eight metal ions (Sn2+, Ag+, Hg2+, Fe3+, Cr3+, Pb2+, Sb3+, and Cu2+) at 5–400 μM concentrations. The array effectively identified the binary and ternary mixtures of Hg2+/Cu2+/Cr3+and successfully detected target ions in river water samples. This cost-effective and scalable approach demonstrates strong potential for applications in water quality monitoring and food safety.