Fluorescent Molecular Sensor for the Detection of Cadmium in Basil Roots

In this work, a methodological route to find a fluorescent radiometric OFF–ON type configuration of rhodamine B with diethylenetriamine dissolved in ethanol for the detection of Cd2+ on the surface of basil roots is presented. The proposed fluorescent configuration has a very fast response time and is highly selective and sensitive in a linear detection range between 10 and 1000 μg/L. Furthermore, the obtained quantum efficiency of 0.63 projects this configuration as a strategic option to be applied in the development of fluorescent molecular sensors for the in situ detection of heavy metals like cadmium in plant species. This approach contributes to addressing the critical need to monitor, detect, and quantify heavy metals in plants meant for human consumption at the local, national, and global levels.