The trees of mangrove forests live in shallow salt water, usually along shores of land masses within 30° of the equator. Mangrove forests are rich in biodiversity and serve as the nursery for many ocean organisms. One of the keys to the vitality of a mangrove ecosystem is its rich muddy soil. The mud of a mangrove forest is deep, thick, and full of organic nutrients. But underneath its thin top layer, the mud has very little oxygen. Mangrove forests, though beautiful to see, often smell like rotten eggs. Which organisms are MOST likely responsible for recycling nutrients in the ground of a mangrove forest?

sac fungi

slime molds

soil nematodes

anaerobic bacteria

Mangrove forest often show a distinct smell like rotten eggs. The reason behind that smell is hydrogen peroxide, which is also known as rotten egg gas. in mangrove forests, hydrogen peroxide is released by various anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria are responsible for the nutrients recycling in these forests as they breakdown the detritus organic matter present in soil and release nutrients for plants.

Thus, the correct answer is 'anaerobic bacteria.'