Which material will bacteria in an anaerobic digester effectively utilize?

Bacteria in an anaerobic digester primarily thrive on organic matter that can be broken down through biochemical processes in the absence of oxygen. Fats, which are lipids, serve as an excellent source of energy for these bacteria. They can be hydrolyzed and subsequently fermented by microbial communities in the digester, leading to the production of biogas, primarily methane and carbon dioxide.

In contrast, materials like hair, mineral oils, and gasoline products are not suitable for digestion in this environment. Hair is highly resistant to microbial degradation due to its keratin structure, which is not readily broken down by the bacteria present in anaerobic digesters. Mineral oils and gasoline products are composed of hydrocarbons that are also resistant to biological degradation under anaerobic conditions. These substances can inhibit the digestion process and potentially harm the microbial population within the digester.

Thus, the correct answer, fats, represents a type of organic compound that can be effectively utilized by anaerobic bacteria, leading to beneficial energy recovery through biogas production.