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In recent years, many analytical methods have been applied to the detection of toxic metal ions. However, the interference caused by a matrix will make the measurement method less precise, and some drugs are difficult to determine. We must find a highly sensitive analytical method; only in this way can we effectively monitor the content of heavy metal ions. Quantum dot (QD) technology is an interdisciplinary technology with high sensitivity. The photoluminescence properties of QDs are closely related to their surface modification. Many metal ions can significantly affect the optical properties of QDs through different mechanisms of action. QDs with wide excitation, narrow emission, and high-fluorescence quantum yield have broad application prospects in the field of fluorescence imaging in biological analysis. At present, the application of QDs to detect metal ions in complex substrates is a promising method. The difficulty of using QDs to detect heavy metals lies in how to improve their anti-interference performance in complex substrates.