What are the advantages and disadvantages of using MOX fuel in a light water reactor?

MOX fuel, which stands for Mixed Oxide fuel, is a type of nuclear fuel that contains both uranium oxide and plutonium oxide. Using MOX fuel in a Light Water Reactor (LWR) presents several advantages and disadvantages. One advantage is the reduction of plutonium stockpiles. MOX fuel allows for the utilization of plutonium recovered from spent nuclear fuel or surplus weapons-grade plutonium, reducing the amount of plutonium that needs to be stored and managed. This can help to reduce the risk of nuclear proliferation. Another advantage is the conservation of uranium resources. By using plutonium as a fuel, MOX fuel reduces the demand for enriched uranium, which helps to conserve uranium resources. Using MOX fuel can also reduce the volume and radiotoxicity of high-level nuclear waste. The transmutation of long-lived actinides in MOX fuel can reduce the long-term radiotoxicity of the waste. However, there are also several disadvantages to using MOX fuel. MOX fuel is more expensive to manufacture than uranium oxide fuel. The fabrication of MOX fuel requires specialized facilities and handling procedures due to the toxicity and radioactivity of plutonium. MOX fuel has different neutronic characteristics than uranium oxide fuel. This can affect the reactor's power distribution and control rod worth, requiring modifications to the reactor's design and operating procedures. The use of MOX fuel can also increase the amount of transuranic waste produced. While MOX fuel reduces the overall radiotoxicity of the waste, it can increase the amount of some transuranic isotopes, such as americium and curium. Finally, public acceptance of MOX fuel can be a challenge. Some members of the public may be concerned about the safety and security of MOX fuel, and about the potential for diversion of plutonium.