Integrated electrostatic collection and microwave sterilization for bioaerosol air purification

Apparatus for cleansing air, comprising:

• a selectively operable electrostatic precipitator having a collector plate comprising a material which absorbs significant microwave radiation;
• a selectively operable microwave source means for directing microwave radiation to said collector plate;
• air flow means for providing a flow of air to be cleansed through said electrostatic precipitator;
• and
• a controller for operating said electrostatic precipitator so as to collect particles entrained in said flow of air during a first period of time and for operating said microwave source means during a second period of time following said first period of time.