Kovalsky, Victor Vladislavovich

Born in Odessa. He studied at a real school in Odessa. He graduated from the Natural Department of the Physics and Mathematics Faculty of Novorossiysk University (1921) and in 1924 the Faculty of Biology of the Institute of Public Education (Odessa State University since 1933).

In 1919-1944 Scientific activity took place in Ukraine: Odessa. Assistant of the Department of Agricultural Zoology of the Agricultural Institute (Agricultural Institute, 1919-1921), the physiology laboratory of the Institute of Public Education (INO, 1922-1925). Assistant of the Department of Zoology, assistant and associate professor of the Department of Biochemistry, associate professor of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry of the Chemical Pharmaceutical Institute (1922-1931, (then the Ukrainian Medical and Analytical Institute). He was the head of: - the biochemical laboratory and the experimental department of the Ukrainian State Institute of Dentistry (UDIS, 1929— 1936), - the biochemical department and the experimental-biological sector of the Odessa Research Institute for the Protection of Motherhood and Childhood (OKHMATDETA, 1931-1936), - the Department of Biochemistry and Professor Medic -clinical institute (1933-1935, then the State Institute for Advanced Medical Studies), professor at the Agricultural Institute (1933-1935). In 1933 he was approved as a professor in the Department of Biochemistry. Kiev. Head: - Department of Comparative Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry, Academy of Sciences USSR (1935-1944), at the same time, - by the Laboratory of Biochemistry of the Kiev Institute of Blood Transfusion (1936-1941), - by the Department of Biochemistry, Kiev State Dental Institute (1938-1941). In 1936 he received the degree of Candidate of Sciences, and in 1937 he was awarded the degree of Doctor of Biological Sciences. In 1941, together with the Academy of Sciences of the Ukrainian SSR, he was evacuated to Ufa. Here, while working at the Institute of Biochemistry, he held the position of head of the biochemistry laboratory of the Bacteriological Institute. I.I. Mechnikov (1941-1943).

Since 1943 he worked in Moscow: the head of the group of comparative biochemistry of the Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1943-1948), the head of the biochemistry laboratory of the All-Union Scientific Research Institute of Animal Husbandry (VIZH, 1944-1959), the biochemistry laboratory of the Research Institute of Obstetrics and Gynecology, USSR Ministry of Health (1944 —1952), the laboratory of comparative and evolutionary biochemistry (Marine Ecological Laboratory) of the Odessa base of the Sevastopol Biological Station (1946-1948) and the Physiological Institute. I. P. Pavlova, Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1948-1951), Laboratory of Metabolism and Energy, All-Russian Research Institute of Physiology, Biochemistry and Nutrition of Farm Animals (All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Biophysics and Biotechnology, 1960-1963) From 1954 to 1984 headed the Biogeochemical Laboratory of the Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry (GEOCHI) named. V. I. Vernadsky Academy of Sciences of the USSR. In 1956, he was elected a corresponding member of the V. I. Lenin All-Union Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VASKHNIL, now the RAAS).

Over the years, V.V. Kovalsky headed the Scientific Councils of the USSR Academy of Sciences and the All-Union Agricultural Academy of Agricultural Sciences on the problems of microelements in the biology, physiology and biochemistry of farm animals; biochemistry of trace elements, biochemistry of animals and humans, and others. He was a member of the Scientific Councils of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, VASKHNIL, USSR Academy of Medical Sciences, Republican Academies of Sciences, International Scientific Organizations and the Steering International Committees on Micronutrients (TEMA), Nutrition (IUNS), Environmental Problems (SCOPE), etc. V.V. Kovalsky was the editor-in-chief of the publication of the USSR Academy of Sciences "Proceedings of the Biogeochemical Laboratory" (1959-1984)

He died on January 11, 1984. He was buried in Moscow at the Vagankovsky cemetery.

The main works on the biogeochemistry of trace elements, geochemical ecology and biogeochemical zoning of the biosphere, comparative (evolutionary) biochemistry and biological rhythms, biochemistry and animal physiology. The works of V.V. Kovalsky are published in Russian and Ukrainian, translated into foreign languages, published abroad.

The first scientific works were carried out by V.V. Kovalsky in the twenties of the XX century in the field of cranio - and osteometry of farm animals and wild mammals; animal physiology and invertebrate zoology in the light of adaptation and environmental phenomena and peculiar physical and chemical environmental conditions.

The oligodynamic effects of metals , including microelements, on the animal organism and bone mineral metabolism, the redox potential of the tissue, and its functional changes in animals were studied.

In-depth studies have been carried out on the ionic theory of seizures and the analysis of periodic ionic changes in blood and cerebrospinal fluid in convulsive conditions, and the biochemical mechanisms of seizures in eclampsia have been investigated.

The buffering properties of the central nervous system in animals of various phylogenetic position and parts of the brain, the evolution of the properties of the central nervous tissue are studied.

In the field of comparative biochemistry, V.V. Kovalsky studied the issues of chemical variability of organisms, as well as the laws of astronomical rhythms and the evolutionary role of periodic diurnal, seasonal and tidal rhythms in their adaptation to environmental conditions. Based on them, V.V. Kovalsky formulated original directions in evolutionary biochemistry: dynamic characteristics of a species that have taxonomic significance; periodic variability of metabolic processes; rhythmic form of adaptations and natural outfitting. In animals and humans, the diurnal and seasonal rhythms of biochemical processes in the body were evaluated: mineral, carbohydrate metabolism, liver glycogen function, lipid, nitrogen metabolism and its enzyme regulation, erythrocyte permeability to cations, and its value in the respiratory function of red blood cells was established. V.V.

Kowalski developed a method for the chromatographic separation of glycogens, with the help of which new glycogen-type polysaccharides in the liver were discovered.

He studied the biochemical processes of blood regeneration and developed drugs to stimulate wound healing, and also studied the biochemical factors of evolution. The action of biogenic stimulants and the biological properties of extracts of canned skin and human placenta were revealed. The therapeutic effect of tissue therapy is justified. The phenomena of drought resistance, heat resistance, and other adaptive reactions of plants are studied.

V.V. Kovalsky is one of the founders of the doctrine of trace elements. He began to deal with the issues of biochemistry of microelements in 1929. He was the first in the USSR to develop the theoretical and practical foundations of their use in animal husbandry. Kowalski developed the doctrine of threshold concentrations of chemical elements, a biogeochemical method for determining the needs of the animal organism in trace elements.

He made a great contribution to the development of zootechnical radiobiology, one of the first in the country to apply the method of labeled atoms in the study of biochemical processes and intermediate metabolism in the body of farm animals.

V.V. Kovalsky created a new direction - the geochemical ecology of organisms (microorganisms, plants, animals and humans). He developed the doctrine of biogeochemical zoning of the biosphere, adopted in the USSR and abroad, as the leading method for studying the ecological structure of the biosphere, including criteria for biogeochemical zoning of the biosphere (biogeochemical food chain - biogenic cycles of chemical elements), threshold concentrations of chemical elements, biological reactions of organisms. Introduced new zoning taxa - regions and subregions of the biosphere adopted by international organizations. He investigated the reactions of the body to a deficiency or excess in the environment of individual trace elements, endemic diseases of plants, animals and humans. He showed the existence of local biogeochemical differences in biogenic cycles of the biosphere, which indicates the heterogeneity of the biosphere and creates the conditions for justifying the practical use of trace elements in agriculture, medicine and human nutrition. Scientists described a number of endemic diseases of animals and humans, studied the biochemical processes of their pathogenesis. The obtained data formed the basis of the geochemical ecology of endemic diseases of animals and humans.

Under the guidance of V.V. Kovalsky, original biochemical studies were carried out to study the properties of adaptive and constitutive enzymes and their changes in various animal species and breeds in connection with a change in the biological state and the action of extreme environmental factors, in particular microelements. He showed the possibility of expanding and shifting the temperature optimum of the action of enzymes, which is of great general biological importance.

On the problems studied, V.V. Kovalsky organized more than 100 expeditions and expeditionary forces covering all zones of the USSR, in 40 of which he took a direct part. Under his leadership, 30 subregions of the biosphere, more than 130 biogeochemical provinces were studied. He compiled the first schematic maps of the biogeochemical provinces of the USSR and the biogeochemical zoning of the biosphere.

Ecological and geochemical studies of V.V. Kovalsky laid the basis for the regulation of trace elements in the nutrition of animals and people, taking into account the adaptation of organisms to extreme environmental conditions, industrial production of preparations and feeds enriched with trace elements, their practical use in agriculture, medicine, veterinary medicine, etc. . d.

V.V. Kovalsky is a major organizer of scientific research. They were attended by more than 50 laboratories in different regions of the country, carrying out research in the field of biogeochemistry and geochemical ecology under the guidance of V.V. Kovalsky according to a unified plan coordinated by the Biogeochemical Laboratory of Geokhimi im. V.I. Vernadsky Academy of Sciences of the USSR and the Scientific Council of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR on the problems of trace elements in biology. With his participation or support, dozens of laboratories were organized in these areas.

Under the guidance of Professor V.V. Kovalsky, more than 80 candidates and 30 doctors of sciences have been trained. The scientist paid special attention to the preparation of the necessary scientific personnel and the provision of the work they carry out.

He published about 600 scientific and popular science articles, monographs, brochures, including more than 350, devoted to the problems of biogeochemistry of trace elements, geochemical ecology and biogeochemical zoning, including 16 books and brochures, 8 monographs. Has 3 copyright certificates for inventions.

The life path and scientific work of Viktor Vladislavovich Kovalsky covers almost the entire XX century, marked by complex historical stages in the development of science and the state. A talented theorist and a brilliant experimenter, a man of encyclopedic knowledge and the highest culture, one of the brightest representatives of the domestic intelligentsia, he served the science and society with dignity and responsibility. He has an exceptional role in incorporating the ideas of biogeochemistry, founded by the great natural scientist Vladimir Ivanovich Vernadsky, into biological sciences.

In 1922-1927 he taught biology, biological and inorganic chemistry at the Chemical-Biological and Chemical Professional Schools. At the same time he was an assistant at the Odessa Agricultural Institute, then - assistant professor, professor and head of the department of biochemistry of agricultural and medical institutes. Professor of Odessa (OSU, 1933-1935), Kiev (KSU, 1936-1941) and Moscow (Moscow State University, 1948-1959) universities, where he gave original lectures on comparative (evolutionary biochemistry), as well as biogeochemistry of trace elements (Department of Animal Biochemistry) and biogeochemistry (Department of Geochemistry) of Moscow State University.

Order of Lenin (1951), Order of the Red Banner of Labor (1969, 1979) Medals of the USSR (1946, 1970, 1975) Lenin Prize Laureate (1964) V.I. Vernadsky Prize (1981). Two gold medals of the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition (1954, 1955)

In GEOCHI them. V.I. Vernadsky RAS annually holds (since 2000) Biogeochemical readings in memory of V.V. Kovalsky. In 2012, the 15th biogeochemical readings took place.

1. The periodic variability of the chemical properties of organisms and its biological significance - Success lies. Biology, 1941, v. 14. issue. 3.p.380-423.

2. The use of trace elements in the feeding of farm animals - M., 1964.- 21s. In the superposition: Ministry of Agriculture of the USSR. Control Science, advocacy and implementation of best practices.

3. Microelements in the soils of the USSR / Soavt. G.A. Andrianova. - M., Nauka, 1970 .-- 179 p. - In the nadzag .: AN USSR, Scientific. advice on prob. trace elements in life and crop production.

4. Trace elements in plants and feed / Soavt. Yu. I. Raetskaya, T.I. Gracheva. - M., Kolos, 1971. - 235 p. - In the nadzag .: AN USSR. Scientific advice on prob. trace elements in crop production and live-ve.

5. Geochemical ecology: Essays. - M .: Nauka, 1974. - 299 p. - In the nadzag .: AN USSR. Institute of geochemistry and analyte. chemistry them. V.I. Vernadsky. Also. - Geochemische Okologie. Biogeochemie. - Berlin, 1977 .-- 353 s.

6. The biological significance of selenium / Soavt. V.V. Ermakov. - M., Nauka, 1974.- 298 p.

7. Geochemical ecology of microorganisms / Soavt. S.V. Letunova. - M .: Nauka, 1978.- 147 p. - In the nadzag .: AN USSR. Institute of geochemistry and analyte. chemistry them. V.I. Vernadsky. Also. - Geochemical Ecology of Microorganism / SV Letunova, VV Kovalsky. Colorado School of Mines Quarterly, 1987, Vol. 82, Num. 3, s. 1-97.

8. Geochemical environment and life. - M .: Nauka, 1982.- 77 p. (Readings named after V.I. Vernadsky) - In the nadzag. USSR Academy of Sciences. Institute of geochemistry and analyte. chemistry them. V.I. Vernadsky.

9. Problems of biogeochemistry of trace elements and geochemical ecology. Selected Works / ed. entry Art. L.K. Ernst; comp. Yu.V. Kovalsky - Moscow: Russian Agricultural Academy, 2009 .-- 357 p. - In the nadzag .: Russian. Acad. S.-kh. sciences.

10. Kovalsky V.V. Souls of tunes: Poems / Victor Kovalsky, comp., Entry. Art. Yu. V. Kovalsky. - M .: Avangard, 2003 .-- 80 p.

1. Victor Vladislavovich Kovalsky (1899-1984) / - M., 1985. - 85 p. (Materials for bio-bibliogr. Workers of agricultural science / Central Agricultural Scientific Agricultural School).

2. Kovalsky Yu. V. Rhythms of earthly life: on the life path and work of V.V. Kovalsky / Yu. V. Kovalsky. - M .: Nauka, 2006.-191 p. In the nadzag .: RAS. Institute of geochemistry and analyte. chemistry them. V.I. Vernadsky.

3. Kovalsky Victor Vladislavovich // Big Russian Encyclopedia: M .: “Grew. encyclical. ”, 2009. V. 14. S. 378.

4. Ernst L.K. Original works of V.V. Kovalsky - a fundamental contribution to agricultural science and natural sciences / L.K. Ernst // Problems of the biogeochemistry of trace elements and geochemical ecology. Selected Works / V.V. Kovalsky .. - M.: Russian Agricultural Academy. 2009.S. 8-22.

A site dedicated to the life path, scientific activity and work of Viktor Vladislavovich Kovalsky - http://viktorkowalsky.narod.ru/

Site of the Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry. V.I. Vernadsky - http://www.geokhi.ru

RAAS website - https://web.archive.org/web/20180421053504/http://www.rashn.ru/