Abstract: Method and apparatus for employing a plasma produced in a radio-frequency discharge to enhance electrostatic precipitation. The plasma is generated in an auxiliary gaseous stream, and the plasma is introduced into a primary fluid stream flowing toward or in an electrostatic precipitation zone. The plasma causes ionization of the auxiliary gaseous stream, and the ionized gaseous stream charges the particles in the primary fluid stream. The primary fluid stream in which the particles are entrained flows in a primary duct toward an electrostatic precipitator containing the precipitation zone. A plasma generator generates plasma in the auxiliary gaseous stream to cause ionization thereof; and a secondary duct conducts the plasma into the primary stream for charging particles in the primary fluid stream. The charged particles then flow in the primary fluid stream into the precipitator.