If the ponds or lagoons have an ammonia odor, what would be the most likely solution?

Adding chemical treatment is often the most effective solution when ponds or lagoons exhibit an ammonia odor. Ammonia odors typically indicate the presence of excess nitrogen compounds, which can result from the breakdown of organic matter, inadequate biological treatment, or low oxygen levels in the water. Chemical treatments, such as chlorine or specialized treatments like potassium permanganate, can help to neutralize ammonia and reduce the odor.

While additional aeration or the addition of freshwater could potentially help to reduce ammonia levels by promoting biological activity or diluting the concentration, these methods may not be as immediately effective as direct chemical treatment. Aeration alone may take time to establish an appropriate biological community, and simply adding freshwater does not address the underlying problem of ammonia buildup. Draining the lagoons is often impractical and may lead to further environmental issues, making chemical treatment the most appropriate and effective immediate response to an ammonia odor.