Method for removing particulate matter during operation of a gas turbine engine

Systems and methods are provided for removing particulate matter from gas turbine engines during operation are provided. Gas turbine engines are also provided. The particulate matter is suspended in a primary gas flow stream passing through an engine flowpath. A flowpath surface of the engine flowpath is electrostatically charged to a first polarity to thereby impart an electrostatic charge of the first polarity to the particulate matter. A bleed discharge duct is electrostatically charged to a second polarity and intersects the engine flowpath to define a bleed air flowpath. The second polarity is opposite to the first polarity. A bleed port is in fluid communication with the bleed discharge duct and has an outlet exterior of the gas turbine engine.